300 jobs lost as Canfor closes pulp mill outside Prince George, B.C.

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With no foreseeable improvement in the outlook, it said Canfor made the “difficult decision” to close its Northwood facility.

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It’s the latest in a series of closures hitting British Columbia’s forest industry and its workers over the last few years.

Forests Minister Ravi Parmar issued a statement saying the news was “heartbreaking” for workers, their families and the entire Prince George community.

Parmar said he had reached out to the workers’ union, Unifor Local 603, as well as the City of Prince George and others to offer his support.

Staff in the ministries of Forests, Jobs and Social Development would be deploying support to affected workers, the statement said.

“There is no question that B.C.’s forestry sector is facing immense challenges from U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and duties, weak lumber prices affecting sawmill operations, and a steep and continued decline in pulp prices,” Parmar said.

“None of that softens today’s news, but it shows why we must keep pushing to stabilize and transform B.C.’s forestry sector.”

Northwood is expected to close later this year following a wind-down process.

Canfor CEO Susan Yurkovich said the company recognized the “incredibly difficult news” would have a significant impact on workers, their families, the businesses that support the mill’s operation and the communities where Canfor operates.

“This decision is in no way a reflection of the dedication or hard work of our employees,” she said in the company’s statement. “The team at Northwood has worked tirelessly to improve performance, navigating challenging conditions to support their operation and we are grateful for their efforts.”

Kim Haakstad, CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries, said Canfor’s news underscored the urgency of working to stabilize the forest sector.

“For too many people across this province, the consequences of inaction for the struggling forestry sector are happening in real time,” she said in a statement.

“Every day without long-term predictable and economic access to wood means more families, workers and communities are put at risk.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 14, 2026.

The Canadian Press