J.D. Irving, Limited proudly supports Unifor’s Forestry National Day of Action

Saint John, NB — J.D. Irving, Limited is proud to join Unifor's Forestry National Day of Action, calling attention to the important role forestry plays in supporting jobs and local economies nationwide and the need to support the sector now and into the future.

Forestry is more than an industry in New Brunswick. It is one of the province’s economic foundations, supporting 26,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs and contributing hundreds of millions of dollars each year in provincial and municipal tax revenue.

Forestry National Day of Action is about recognizing the people behind that success and standing together in support of a strong and resilient future for Canada’s forestry sector.

In New Brunswick alone, 70 per cent of communities are home to forestry firms, which support $1.9 billion in local wages province-wide and build stability in predominantly rural communities.

“We know what happens when communities lose a mill. Jobs disappear, families move away and local businesses feel the impact,” said Jennifer Murray, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director.

“Forestry National Day of Action is about standing up for the workers, families and communities that depend on this industry and making sure we don’t see more mills close in New Brunswick or anywhere else in Canada,” said Lana Payne, Unifor’s National President.

On Oct. 16, team members at Irving Pulp & Paper, Irving Tissue, Irving Paper, Lake Utopia Paper and the company's sawmills in Sussex, Kedgwick, Clair, Veneer and St. Leonard are participating in Unifor’s Forestry National Day of Action.

“We’re investing in our people and in our operations and are committed to the future of forestry in New Brunswick,” said Jim Irving, CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited. “Thousands of our employees and their families depend on a strong forest sector, and so do many communities across the province. New Brunswick has the resource, the people and the willingness to invest, but we also need competitive industrial electricity rates and government policies that support growth. Too often, government says it supports industry while NB Power moves in the opposite direction. Both are under government’s control. The question is simple: do we want a strong forestry sector that supports jobs, communities and future investment in New Brunswick or not?”

We believe in New Brunswick’s potential and in a forest sector that creates opportunities for workers, supports local communities and strengthens the provincial economy.

A competitive wood supply, competitive industrial energy rates and policies that encourage investment will help ensure New Brunswick remains a forestry leader for generations to come.