News of the impending closure of Kitimat’s Eurocan pulp and paper mill stunned both Skeena’s senior government representatives.

“The news was devastating,” MP Nathan Cullen said Thursday. “It feels a little bit like it came out of the blue. We’ve heard some rumours that the mill was having a hard time, but not this bad. This is an enormous blow to the community and to all these families that rely on these jobs.”

And MLA Robin Austin warned the impact of the closure would be far reaching.

“It’s not just the individuals but the families of those who lost their job...and it’s not really 535 jobs that are directly affected, there’s Excel trucking...and what’s left of West Fraser saw mill chipping logs in Terrace,” he pointed out.

He was therefore fearful of what it will mean for the economy of the entire Northwest as the loss of these high paid jobs will have a ripple effect across the region.

Cullen said he has already begun discussions on what kinds of options are available to the District of Kitimat. Already in the works is an “emergency strategic meeting” with local officials scheduled for Saturday, November 7 “to look at any and all options.”

Cullen, an economic and community development consultant before his political career began five years ago, will also facilitate the session.

“This is not something you can sit back on,” Cullen told the Sentinel. “We are getting together and we’re going to do what we can to restore some confidence and some hope.”

Cullen acknowledged the depth of fear and uncertainty the mill closure will have on families, businesses and Northwest communities. “You can’t suddenly have 535 direct jobs and thousands more indirect jobs ripped out from under you and not be absolutely reeling.”

Pointing out that in making the announcement West Fraser had not sought any concessions from either government or the union, he said, “that’s not a good sign for changing their minds or making the conditions better for them. By not asking for anything, they’re saying the conditions are beyond the workers or the government to do anything about.”

He added that he will seek out any compensation and help for the community and workers from both the federal and provincial governments.

However, Austin wasn’t having much luck on that score the day after the announcement.

In the Legislature he asked four times for the Liberal government to commit to transition funding for northwest workers who will be impacted by the closure of Eurocan, but he was left without an answer.

“The community development trust hasn’t helped many workers in the Northwest,” said Austin.

“First, many workers who lost their jobs with the Terrace Lumber Company were shut out of the program because they were laid off too soon, and now workers impacted by the closure of Eurocan may not get access to the program because the BC Liberals refuse to match the funds committed by Ottawa.”