That meeting didn't do us a whole lot of good. They basically said, here's how to apply for EI, and we'll let you know more in the future.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2008/05/28/bc-prince-george-fire-ash-health.html?ref=rss

CBC story warns Prince George residents not to touch any of the fallen ash particles because of their toxicity.

"My guess is that if they were to rebuild it would be more like 4 to 5 months.�

That's a pipe dream, do you really think there is an entire plywood plant sitting somewhere waiting for Canfor to just purchase and install it? Not very likely, 2 years would be a short amount of time to build a ground up mill. Most of the new equipment would have to be manufactured, shipped and have a building to install it in. A huge amount of work. Not to mention the burned rubble has to be removed 1st.
I hope they do rebuild this mill but highly unlikely.

Its unfortunate for all the workers, but you aren't the only ones in that boat. A lot of people have lost their jobs in the last while and received no special help or support, so I don't see the NCP workers getting any either. Good luck to you all on your job search.

Hey thanks for pointing out that we aren't the only ones in trouble. I guess watching our jobs go up in flame must have caused us to forget that the forest industry is in trouble. You don't think the other affected workers are getting help? At the very least most of those employees had weeks if not months to plan for other employment. I had one day.

As a sawmill worker off since thanksgiving my heart goes out to all of you.If i an spin some good out of this and many right now will not see it is that Mark Feldinger is a good man.He is one to roll up is sleeves and work on a solution.I am not a fan of Canfor but Mark is a straight up guy.He is the guy that helped keep the Mckenzine mill going.This guy listens and works with people not against them.Just remember this day 2 and a lot of info needs to be gathered.The good thing is everyone had there coffee this mornning with there families and friends and no one was hurt or died.

It will not be 4 to 5 months to rebuild. Realistically it will be 10 to 12 months before it will turn a log in the new plant. Likely it will not be built at the same location. It will probably built at the log yard. and it will be flipped around. The foundations are likely cracked from that kind of heat.

They will likely hire about 100 of the workers to help rebuild this plant if it goes ahead. Might as well, pair them up with workers that knows what their doing and it get built faster.

Its not easy for Canfor to come out and say anything right now. They will make their decisions quietly in a board room. They are probably a bit cash strapped to plow in 30 million to get it going. Sure there is insurance money, but that is years down the road.

It is important that we have this plywood plant. Funny everyone would fight against a OSB plant, but not a plywood plant.

You are right invisableman!
Mark Feldinger IS a damn good man, and highly respected by workers and the industry.
Right now,he is about the best friend the workers have got.
Think positive,even though I understand that's a bit hard to do right now!

I forsee Jimmy P and the other owners taking the insurance payout and deciding not to rebuild at this time.

I have a feeling that the fire was set purposfully just to collect on the insurance...they just used and existing problem, and made it look a whole lot worse. Even if the bearings over heated in the past, why would this time be any different? Why wasn't it extiguished like before? there is motivation, economiic downturn... I smell smoke and something fishy in the air!

To RUEZ The other Canfor employees did not have weeks or months to prepare for their job loss, my husband was laid off by canfor twice in the past 6 months, the first time he was given 5 days notice, the 2nd he was given 12 hours notice. I feel for you in your situation, I know the stress of wondering where your next mortgage payment is coming from. And I honestly hope you get more out of your situation than we did. My husband works out of town now.

RUEZ - you may have only had one day, but everyone is in a tight boat. But at least they are sticking to the contract "The company has indicated it will stick to the contract and cover all salary and benefit provisions for 3 to 6 months depending on seniority" Thats more than Pope and Talbot is getting. And they only had one day, the mill was in teh process of sale and it feel threw and they were gone. No vacation owed, no paychecks, no severence no benefits nothing. Just be glad you have the option of EI while looking for a new job. Just means as sucky as it is, that many people may have to start over.

But Fort St. John can use some people, come find a job here, bring your family - Lord knows this WalMart and Canadian Tire and Safeway can use more staff. (And don't jump all over me for this- I don't mean you - I mean bring the family, your teenagers, maybe your wife would want part time work)

Everyone just needs to stay positive and do what you can do help your family. Change sucks - but maybe we can work it out for the best. And maybe all our mills will open back up :)

Everyone is in my prayers. I wish the best for everyone hurt by everything happening in teh forestry industry.

Good luck