Interfor, a leading player in the Canadian lumber industry for the past six decades, is reportedly considering relocating its headquarters from Burnaby, British Columbia, to Atlanta, Georgia. This potential move, as reported by the Financial Post, raises concerns about the future of the forestry sector in British Columbia, which is already grappling with challenges such as U.S. tariffs, mill closures, and an overall uncertain landscape.

British Columbia Premier David Eby addressed the situation in a recent press briefing, highlighting the province’s ongoing efforts to diversify its trade relationships, particularly focusing on expanding connections with overseas markets. He emphasized the significance of an impending free trade agreement with India, which could result in the elimination of duties on Canadian lumber exports to that country.

The decision has shocked the local union representing about 250 workers at two of Interfor’s three mills in B.C. Jeff Bromley, the Wood Council Chair for the United Steelworkers, expressed disappointment over the headquarters shift. He noted that the union previously represented over 1,000 Interfor employees along the B.C. coast, indicating a significant decline in workforce numbers since the early 2000s. Bromley lamented the loss, describing it as “an unfortunate day when we lose the head office of one of the pillars,” while expressing hope that other major companies like West Fraser and Canfor will remain committed to the province.

Public inquiry directed at Interfor regarding the timeline of the move, as well as potential layoffs, yielded no response. However, Mayor Everett Baker of Grand Forks reported that he had been assured by Interfor leadership that the company is not leaving British Columbia entirely. According to Baker, he received communication from the company stating, “We are not leaving B.C. We are just shifting some of our corporate roles to an existing office down in Georgia to provide better supports for Canadian and U.S. operations in the Central Eastern Atlantic time zones. No layoffs.”

Baker expressed relief at this clarification but maintained a degree of concern, especially given the recent trend of mill closures impacting communities like Prince George. He acknowledged that the situation surrounding Interfor’s potential move was more complex than initially presented in the media, urging for a nuanced understanding of the unfolding developments within the forestry sector in the region.
  
Source: news.ssbcrack.com