If Brian Skakun has a vote, it would be to see the Northwood Pulp Mill workers be given a financial safety net for losing their jobs.
Earlier this month, the City of Prince George submitted a letter to Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside requesting the return of the Retirement Bridging Program.
It is designed to help older forestry workers transition into retirement, arguing it could provide much-needed relief for employees affected by the imminent closure of Canfor’s Northwood facility slated for November.
Skakun who received a similar package during the 2023 PG Pulp and Paper closure told MyPGNow.com said the money came at the perfect time.
“For me, it was timely because I was probably going to go in a year anyways and it allowed some of the junior employees to keep their jobs and that is a key thing for me – a lot of the folks that took the package and got out early because shift work is really hard on you and keep some of the junior workers with younger families.”
The long-time city councillor believes it’s good optics if the province and Canfor went through with it.
“I think Canfor and the province have to get together, be innovative and perhaps come up with some sort of new program that will apply to all the employees who are affected.”
Forests Minister Ravi Parmar, who was scheduled to visit the Prince George Fire Centre on Monday but was forced to pivot due to the failed trade talks, mentioned the idea is on the table and that they want to treat every workers situation with dignity.
“We are having conversations about supports for a Bridging to Retirement Program similar to what was provided in the past with the federal government. I hope to have more to share in the coming weeks.”
“We need to meet those workers where they are at and replace those jobs the best that we can. I think it’s a very good point on the information our teams on the ground that have been assembled in Prince George with Unifor and the families of those workers.”
Skakun is hoping words turn into action as once a young family that is reliant on resource dollars exits the northern capital, it will be next to impossible to get them back.
“In this case, there are a lot of younger workers where the current program won’t apply. The second thing is those that are voluntarily leaving so our administration and economic development team are looking at all sorts of options from Bridging to Retirement to training packages for the junior employees. No matter what, it is a very difficult situation.”
“If you worked on the pulp machine that is going to limit your opportunities for other places but your still going to have heavy-industry experience. There are all sorts of different variables at play and it’s such devastating news.”
Before it stopped accepting new applications in February of 2025, it offered up to $75,000 in support for eligible workers.
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