Carrier Forest Products to indefinitely curtail operations at Big River sawmill
The company said weak markets, a lower Canadian dollar and wildfire losses are driving the move, which follows a 2020 shutdown that laid off about 120 workers.
- On Thursday, Carrier Forest Products Inc. announced it will indefinitely curtail production at its Big River sawmill beginning Oct. 16, affecting 117 employees.
- Management cited persistent weak market conditions as a major factor, while last year's wildfires reduced timber volumes available to the mill and the Canadian dollar's decline increased cross-border financing costs.
- Reeve Clint Panter, speaking for the Rural Municipality of Big River and the Town of Big River, said the closure impacts all residents; United Steelworkers Wood Council representative Jeff Bromley called the news "devastating" but expressed hope it remains temporary.
- Jordan McPhail, the Opposition NDP's forestry critic, blamed the Saskatchewan Party government for mismanaging the industry and failing to protect the sector from U.S. tariffs.
- Despite the suspension, management remains committed to reviewing options for resuming operations; Big River, located about 130 kilometres northwest of Prince Albert, has survived previous mill closures and faces an uncertain but potentially resilient future.
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NDP criticize government’s jobs record as Big River mill curtails production
Saskatchewan NDP labour critic Nathaniel Teed called on the provincial government to address job losses in Prince Albert and northern Saskatchewan during a news conference outside the SaskJobs office on Thursday. Teed was joined by Prince Albert and District Labour Council president Matt Derworiz, who said workers in the region are struggling to find employment […] The post NDP criticize government’s jobs record as Big River mill curtails produc…
117 workers affected as Big River sawmill announces indefinite curtailment
Carrier Forest Products says it will indefinitely curtail production at its Big River sawmill beginning October 16, affecting approximately 117 employees. The company says production will cease this fall, although limited work will continue at the facility until the end of January 2027 to allow for an orderly shutdown. Carrier emphasized that it has not determined the mill will close permanently and says management will continue reviewing opt…
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