Prime Minister Carny,
Premier Eby,
I am writing further to my previous correspondence regarding the pending closure of the Crofton Pulp Mill on Vancouver Island and the urgent supports required for the 350 workers and their families who will be directly impacted.
I appreciate that both the federal and provincial governments are currently navigating an exceptionally demanding period, with significant geopolitical and economic pressure affecting our country. We recognize and respect the scale of those challenges. At the same time, the situation facing Crofton workers is immediate and time sensitive, and to date we have not received any follow up or indication of next steps on issues raised.
As outlined in my earlier letters, layoff at the Crofton Pulp mill is scheduled to begin on February 3, 2026, with a second round on April 13, 2026. These dates are approaching rapidly, and the absence of clarity around worker transition funding and Employment Insurance supports is creating growing uncertainty and anxiety for workers, their families, and the broader community.
To reiterate, our key concerns remain:
- The urgent finalization of labour market Development Agreement negotiations so that the federal worker transitions funding can begin flowing to affected workers and the Crofton community.
- The extension of temporary EI relief measures to ensure workers impacted by the second phase of layoff are not excluded from essential supports due to timing beyond their control.
These are practical, targeted measures that would provide stability during a highly disruptive period and demonstrate that workers resources communities remain a priority, even amid broader nation and international challenges.
The Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC) remains committed to working constructively with all levels of government and stands ready to engage at any time to support solutions that minimize long term harm and help workers transition with dignity.
Given the urgency of the timeline involved, we respectfully request an update on the status of these matters and an opportunity for further discussion at your earliest convenience. Thank you for continued attention. We look forward to your response.
In Solidarity,
Geoff Dawe
National President, Public and Private Workers of Canada
ppwc.ca
