Canadian sawmill shooting leaves two dead

Western, which bills itself at the world’s largest western red cedar producer, closed all its mills and timberland operations on Vancouver Island as a mark of respect following the incident.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has arrested a man, understood to be a former Western employee, in connection with the shooting. Two employees remain in hospital.

Western described the incident as a “terrible tragedy”. “I would like to express our deepest concerns and condolences to the families, friends and co-workers and to those whose lives were lost this morning and those who were wounded,” said Western’s president and CEO Don Demens.

“We will continue to co-operate fully with all authorities and will determine additional next steps in the hours ahead.” Incident stress counsellors are helping staff at the mill.