Ottawa – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo, delivered the following statement last week in the House of Commons:
“Mr. Speaker – I’m pleased to report some good news in my riding, many of my local lumber producers are now going back to full operations, recording profits, and making major upgrades. This in turn is helping many local forestry workers and their families.
West Fraser’s 100 Mile lumber mill as well as Aspen planers in Savona reported that they will be back to full production, and as a result they are now hiring new workers and training is underway.
On February 26th Ainsworth lumber reported that last year they recorded a net income compared to a significant loss in the prior year. In addition, the Ainsworth mill in 100 Mile House completed a major project to enhance the mill’s ability to process trees infected by the Mountain Pine Beetle.
On February 28th it was reported that Canfor plans to reopen its Vavenby sawmill operation, while at the Kamloops Domtar mill they have made significant environmental upgrades.
Mr. Speaker, there have been 24 sawmills reopen in B.C. in the last 24 months; along with new trade deals with Japan and the funding from Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the forestry industry is solidly rebounding.”
