TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- Unifor forestry members, their families and their supporters held events in 36 communities from coast to coast on Friday, Oct. 16, as part of the union's Forestry National Day of Action.

At mill gates, in parking lots, in parks and in the forest, workers called on all three levels of government to work with workers, employers and communities on a shared vision for a stronger, more sustainable forestry sector.

"Forestry workers helped build this country, and today they showed they are ready to fight for its future," said Unifor National President Lana Payne, who rallied with members in Nackawic and Saint John N.B. "The roadmap to rebuild this sector already exists. Workers need governments to stop studying and start acting, before more communities lose the last mill standing."

Payne was the worker representative on the federal Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force. Its final report was released in April 2026. The union's priorities include a national industrial strategy for forestry, a federal industrial transformation fund tied to modernization, and immediate transition supports for workers.

In Nackawic, members marched from the public library to the town's landmark big axe. The closure of the AV Nackawic mill has put 228 Unifor members out of work.

"Workers in Nackawic know exactly what is at stake when a mill shuts down. It's the paycheques, the local businesses and the future of the whole town," said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray, who was onsite at both New Brunswick events. "Atlantic forestry communities can't afford to wait. Ottawa and the provinces must deliver real supports for workers now and a plan that keeps these mills running for the long term."

Across New Brunswick, members also mobilized in Sussex, Kedgwick, Atholville and St-Léonard, at Lake Utopia Paper and at J.D. Irving pulp, paper and tissue operations. Members in Nova Scotia held events at Port Hawkesbury Paper and Maibec CanExel, and members in Newfoundland and Labrador rallied at Corner Brook Pulp and Paper.

In Quebec, members held events in La Sarre, Ferme-Neuve, Mont-Laurier, Girardville, La Doré, Sayabec, Quebec City, Montreal, Gatineau, Maniwaki and Temiscaming, including a gathering in the forest near La Sarre.

"Quebec's forestry workers are ready to build the future of this industry, from modern mills to Canadian wood for the affordable housing this country needs," said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. "What they will not accept is being left on their own while governments stand by. The consensus is there. It's time to act."

Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi joined members at Atlantic Packaging in Whitby. Ontario mobilizations took place in Thunder Bay, Dryden, Ear Falls, Barwick, Espanola, Englehart, Sault Ste. Marie and Kapuskasing.

"Northern Ontario has watched one mill after another go dark, and every closure tears a hole in a community," said Hashi. "Workers have stepped up with solutions. The Ontario government must come to the table with Ottawa, with our union and with forestry communities to protect these jobs."

In British Columbia, Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle joined members at the Howe Sound pulp mill in Port Mellon. Domtar indefinitely idled the mill in August 2026, but earlier this month under pressure from Unifor, the B.C. government and Domtar signed an agreement in principle that will help position the mill to reopen. Unifor members also held events in Port Alberni, Quesnel and Kamloops.

"Howe Sound shows what is possible when workers stand up and government steps in. Now we need that same urgency for every forestry community in this province," said McGarrigle. "B.C. forestry workers have been through closure after closure. Workers deserve action that keeps mills open and builds a forestry sector that lasts."

Learn more about the Fight for Forestry Jobs campaign.

SOURCE Unifor