Ottawa, ON - Aaron Gunn, Conservative Member of Parliament for North Island--Powell River; Jeff Kibble, Conservative Member of Parliament for Cowichan--Malahat--Langford; and Tamara Kronis, Conservative Member of Parliament for Nanaimo--Ladysmith, issued the following statement on the Crofton Mill closure:
"Today's announcement on the closure of Vancouver Island's Crofton pulp mill is devastating news for the families of 375 workers who must now scramble to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.
"The mill was the lifeblood of Crofton and the surrounding community. The mill employed over a quarter of the town's population, and it alone created nearly $1 billion in economic impact for the region.
"This closure won't just affect Crofton. There is now one fewer buyer for the lumber harvested by Canadian forestry workers, meaning the closure's impact will spread far and wide. When asked about future negotiations with Trump, Carney blithely replied 'who cares?'
"Who cares? Crofton cares. Ear Falls cares. 100 Mile House cares.
"And Conservatives care. We care about the workers of the 21 sawmills in British Columbia that have already closed due to this Liberal government's diplomatic failures. We care about the hundreds of workers being laid off across Canada and the families who now have to fear for their future.
"Already, we have seen 150 Islanders lose their jobs at the Western Forest Products' Sawmill in Chemainus and 165 more job losses in 100 Mile House after the West Fraser Timber mill shut down. Today's closure is yet another blow to BC's forestry industry, which continues to feel the consequences of the Liberals' failure to get a softwood deal.
"Prime Minister Stephen Harper negotiated an end to, and refund of, American softwood lumber tariffs within 79 days of becoming Prime Minister. The Liberals have been in power for 10 years, yet have not been able to get a deal or get rid of the new tariffs that were imposed on Canada after Carney took office.
"Not only has Mark Carney failed to get tariffs removed, but the tariffs have tripled after he unilaterally backed down and ended Canada's multiple legal disputes against the illegal and indefensible tariffs.
"It's time the Prime Minister started caring too."
A statement regarding the announcement of the closure of the Crofton mill
North Cowichan, BC - The Municipality of North Cowichan learned earlier today that Domtar will be permanently closing operations at the Crofton mill, affecting 350 workers.
Originally built in 1956, the mill has long been a major employer and taxpayer in North Cowichan and the broader Cowichan region. Its closure will have a profound effect on the community, including the loss of high-paying jobs, tax revenue that supports core services, and wider economic spinoffs. Currently Domtar is North Cowichan's single largest taxpayer, contributing approximately $5 million annually in property taxes.
"This is devastating news for local workers, their families and many businesses that rely on the Crofton mill. These are folks with families to support and mortgages to pay. This site has been a significant part of North Cowichan's economy for generations, benefitting many families including my own," said Mayor Rob Douglas. "We will do everything we can to support the community through this difficult time."
Mayor Douglas will be meeting with Premier David Eby, Forests Minister Ravi Parmar and Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside, and leadership from the Public and Private Workers of Canada - which represents the Crofton mill workers - Wednesday afternoon to discuss next steps. North Cowichan has already been in contact with the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth to discuss convening a Community Transition Table to coordinate supports for impacted workers, including accessing new jobs or pursuing further post-secondary education and skills training.
