The town of Ear Falls in Ontario is currently grappling with a significant challenge following the abrupt closure of its sawmill, which is not only the largest employer but also the primary economic driver for the community.
Interfor, the company operating the mill, made the announcement recently, leaving approximately 150 unionized workers jobless, as stated by the town’s mayor. This closure has been described as more than just a loss of employment but a crisis for the community by Luke Hildebrand, the president of the NDP Kenora-Rainy River Riding Association and a First Nations law practitioner in Kenora.
In response, Hildebrand has initiated a petition urging both the Ontario and federal governments to intervene promptly to assist affected workers and establish a Forestry Job Protection Task Force. The petition emphasizes the essential role of the forestry sector in Canada’s economy, contributing significantly annually and supporting numerous rural jobs.
Ear Falls Mayor Kevin Kahoot expressed his shock upon learning about the shutdown just before the affected employees were informed. The mayor attributed the closure to a stagnant lumber market and the impact of U.S. countervailing tariffs.
Kahoot highlighted the sawmill’s longstanding significance as a stabilizing force in the community, providing vital jobs, benefits, and stability to its residents. While the exact number of jobs at risk is yet to be confirmed, the township is actively engaging with the provincial government to explore potential solutions.
Unifor, a union representing workers, has also called for immediate government action following Interfor’s decision to shut down the sawmill. The union emphasized the need for a coordinated national strategy to safeguard forestry jobs and counter U.S. trade pressures.
The closure has garnered attention at both the provincial and federal levels, with politicians expressing concern and calling for support for the affected workers and the community as a whole. Efforts are being made to protect Ontario’s forestry sector and support workers in Ear Falls during this challenging time.
