Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Talylor Bachrach calls for EI help for families in Bulkley Valley impacted by Canfor mill closure

A topic that has hit right into the heart of his own constituency has Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach calling on the Federal Government to deliver some help to those impacted by the Canfor Mill Closure in Houston.

Mr. Bachrach wrote to Carla Qualtrough the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion on Wednesday to urge for changes to the Employment Benefit process to ensure that those impacted by the closure gained their support in a timely manner.

“There is nothing more devastating for small, rural communities than receiving news that their major employer is shutting down,” wrote Bachrach. “Losing at least 400 high-paying, community-supporting jobs will have deep, long-lasting impacts on these two northern B.C. communities, the latter of which is located in the riding I proudly represent.” -- Skeena Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach 

The MP also called for reinstatement of the temporary COVID measures on EI that expired in September of 2022, observing how the system needs to be reformed and the temporary measures would serve the situation well until the EI system gains the reforms it needs.

“I urge you to reinstate the temporary EI measures for the sake of families, like those affected by the Chetwynd and Houston mill closures, at least until your government delivers on its promise to reform our broken, pre-pandemic EI system. The Liberal government has a responsibility to protect people in the face of job loss, and financial hardships.”

Canfor has announced a significant number of layoffs and job eliminations for its British Columbia holdings since the start of the year, the Houston facility may return to production in the future, though changes towards employment levels seem likely should those plans move forward.

Mr. Bachrach's full letter to the Minister can be reviewed below:

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A look at some of the turmoil in the British Columbia forest industry can be reviewed here.

More notes from the House of Commons are available here.