The group representing the B.C. forest industry is concerned a strike at CN Rail will create additional hardship for the sector.
The BC Council of Forest Industries says it relies on rail infrastructure to get 90% of its products to export markets.
“A disruption of this critical transportation network will adversely impact BC forest companies at a time when we are already facing significant challenges and increasing competition from around the globe,” says COFI President and CEO Susan Yurkovich. “It will create further hardship for the workers and communities who are already feeling the impacts from mill closures and curtailments.”
COFI says forest products make up about 10% of all wester Canadian rail traffic with many forestry operations located in regions where rail service is the only economical transport option.
The group is calling on CN and the union to resolve the strike.
