Layoffs at the Carrier Forest Products sawmill in Big River, Saskatchewan, are drawing criticism from the provincial Opposition NDP and a local union representative, as the provincial government points to support programs already in place for affected workers.
At a press conference in Prince Albert, NDP Northern Affairs Shadow Minister Jordan McPhail said the first round of layoffs began this week, with further cuts expected in November and January. He accused the government of failing to protect forestry jobs and of lacking a plan to support workers, despite what he described as promises to grow the province’s forestry sector.
Brandon Nicholson, a member of United Steelworkers Local 1-184 representing workers at the mill, said some employees are already seeking work elsewhere. He said the uncertainty is affecting not just mill workers but families, local businesses and services throughout the community, including concerns about schools, home care and the viability of the local grocery store.
Province Points to Support Programs
In a written response, the Government of Saskatchewan said Canada-Saskatchewan Rapid Response Teams have been sent to Carrier Forest Products in Big River five times since the company announced planned layoffs. The teams offer services tailored to affected employers and workers, and the government said it has since arranged individual follow-up appointments and training referrals for workers who requested them.
The province also referenced the Canada-Saskatchewan Workforce Tariff Response, a three-year, $15.6-million initiative aimed at supporting workers and employers in sectors affected by global tariffs.
As of September 30, more than $791,000 had been distributed through the initiative to support approximately 133 forestry workers across eight employers in five communities, including support provided to Carrier Forest Products before the layoff announcement. The government did not disclose how much of that funding went specifically to the Big River operation. Across all sectors covered by the program, more than $1.36 million has supported about 239 workers at 14 employers in eight communities.
Calls for Longer-Term Industry Support
Nicholson said that beyond immediate assistance, the forestry industry needs improved access to timber and stronger domestic demand for wood products. He said rising transportation costs are adding pressure on the industry and suggested Saskatchewan could make greater use of locally produced wood in prefabricated housing construction, pointing to existing local operations that build prefabricated homes.
McPhail referenced efforts by the British Columbia government to work with industry on protecting forestry jobs, while acknowledging that circumstances differ between the two provinces. He said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe should explain the government’s plan for addressing the layoffs and why northern workers are, in McPhail’s view, being left behind.
Nicholson said the effects of the production slowdown are being felt broadly across Big River, extending beyond mill employees to their families, neighbours and the wider community.
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