The Ontario NDP has urged the Ford government to intervene and safeguard forestry jobs following an announcement to temporarily halt operations at the Gogama sawmill before resuming on a reduced schedule. United Steelworkers Local 1-2010, representing the workers, disclosed that the mill, usually operating two shifts Monday to Thursday with approximately 60 employees, has ceased operations, resulting in 90% of the workforce being laid off. The plan is to restart operations on November 3 with only one shift indefinitely, with expectations that about half of the workforce will be rehired, although specifics from the employer are pending.
Interfor, the sawmill’s owner, located near Gogama, attributed the decision to ongoing market challenges, emphasizing the global nature of the issue affecting both the U.S. and Canada. They emphasized the need to align supply with current demand amidst economic uncertainty. Union president Jacques Jean highlighted the distress faced by northern workers due to the industry’s instability, calling for a comprehensive government plan to address the situation.
Mushkegowuk–James Bay MPP Guy Bourgouin, the NDP’s forestry critic, emphasized the growing list of northern communities, including Gogama, experiencing mill closures or cutbacks due to external factors such as U.S. tariffs and the economic climate. He expressed disappointment at the lack of substantial government support in light of these challenges. Meanwhile, Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas underscored the significant impact on small communities like Gogama and urged the government to take decisive action to preserve jobs and support families.
The Ontario NDP advocates for a sustainable forestry strategy for the province, emphasizing investments in modernization, green energy, and innovation, alongside inter-ministerial coordination to integrate forestry into housing and infrastructure projects. They also stress the importance of supporting worker transitions and training initiatives. In response, a spokesperson for Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products Kevin Holland highlighted the government’s efforts to bolster the forestry sector, including substantial investments in mill modernization and business growth, as well as financial support for worker retraining programs.