Home
World
Canada
- BC
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Thunder Bay
- Sudbury
- Windsor
- Toronto
- Ottawa
- Montreal
- NB
- PEI
- NS
- NL
- North
Politics
Health
Arts & Entertainment
- Music
- Film
- Television
- Books
- Media
- Art & Design
- Theatre
Technology & Science
Money
Consumer Life
Diversions
Weather
Your Voice

500 to lose jobs in West Fraser mill closure

CEO blames shuttering of Kitimat, B.C., operation on high dollar

Last Updated: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | 3:23 PM PT

CBC News

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. said Wednesday it would permanently shut its Eurocan paper mill in Kitimat, B.C., putting more than 500 people out of work.

The closure will take effect on Jan. 31, 2010.

West Fraser 3-month chart

Vancouver-based West Fraser blamed the closure on a rising Canadian dollar and the recession's impact on the forestry sector. After years of cost cuts and reviews of Eurocan's operations, closing the mill was "the only reasonable alternative," said West Fraser CEO Hank Ketcham.

"We deeply regret the impact the mill closure will have on our 535 employees, their families and the community, and we will ensure those who are affected are treated with fairness and respect," Ketcham said in a news release.

The 40-year-old mill produces linerboard and kraft paper, which are used for cardboard boxes and packaging.

Internal Links

Federal treaty delays cost B.C. billions: chief

British Columbia Headlines

Alberta, B.C., look to expand UN World Heritage Site: Alberta and B.C. are looking to add more international sparkle to Canada's Rocky Mountain parks.
Als off to Grey Cup after devouring Lions: The Montreal Alouettes humbled the B.C. Lions on Sunday afternoon, earning their seventh trip to the Grey Cup game since 2000.
Man shot by Mountie in central B.C.: A 24-year-old man is in hospital in serious but stable condition after he was shot by a Mountie in central B.C. Saturday afternoon.
Vancouver Island evacuation order lifted: An evacuation order has been lifted for hundreds of south Vancouver Island residents forced from their homes by flooding.
Body found in ditch in Fraser Valley: Police in Abbotsford, B.C., are investigating a suspicious death near the Sumas border crossing after a man's body was found in a ditch Saturday afternoon.

Canada Headlines

Afghan prisoner transfers halted 'more than one time': Canadian officials have halted the transfer of prisoners to Afghanistan's intelligence service "more than one time," because of the possibility of torture, Canada's chief of defence staff said Sunday.
Baby survives as crash kills 4: RCMP say four Calgary women are dead after a crash south of Calgary that left only a single survivor —a baby that had been strapped into a car seat.
Renewed optimism in search for missing Halifax sailor: The search for a 68-year-old missing sailor from Halifax resumed Sunday and officials say there is reason to be optimistic after another vessel that made the same trip arrived safely in Bermuda Saturday.
Vancouver Island evacuation order lifted: An evacuation order has been lifted for hundreds of south Vancouver Island residents forced from their homes by flooding.
Disgraced N.S. bishop's replacement named: The Roman Catholic Church has appointed a replacement for Bishop Raymond Lahey, of the Diocese of Antigonish, N.S., who is facing child pornography charges.

Canada Features

More Features

People who read this also read …

Top CBCNews.ca Headlines

Headlines

Afghan prisoner transfers halted 'more than one time': Canadian officials have halted the transfer of prisoners to Afghanistan's intelligence service "more than one time," because of the possibility of torture, Canada's chief of defence staff said Sunday.
Indonesian ferry sinks in storm: Rescuers saved more than 240 people aboard an Indonesian passenger ferry that sank Sunday in rough waters off Sumatra island, but at least 25 people have died, officials said.
Iranian forces practise defending nuke sites: Iran on Sunday began large-scale air defence war games aimed at protecting the country's nuclear facilities against any possible attack, state television reported.
Baby survives as crash kills 4: RCMP say four Calgary women are dead after a crash south of Calgary that left only a single survivor —a baby that had been strapped into a car seat.
Plaskett double winner at Canadian Folk Music Awards: Joel Plaskett's triple album Three earned the Halifax singer-songwriter a double win at the Canadian Folk Music Awards on Saturday.