Episode Details

Over the last five years (roughly 2021–2026), British Columbia has experienced approximately:21 permanent or indefinite mill closures since 2023 alone, according to the Council of Forest Industries (COFI).Looking back to 2021, there have been around 30–35 permanent or indefinite closures across sawmills, pulp mills, pellet mills, plywood mills, and paper mills, although a few facilities have subsequently restarted or changed ownership.

Congressman John James and other members of Michigan’s congressional delegation recently wrote to Prime Minister Mark Carney, arguing that Canada has failed to take sufficient action to prevent wildfire smoke from repeatedly affecting Michigan and other parts of the United States. They are asking what measurable steps Canadian governments are taking to reduce wildfire risks and the resulting cross-border smoke.