New Brunswick’s minister of natural resources and energy development says he has the final say over a disputed wood allocation tied to the now-closed Irving-owned sawmill in Baker Brook. The sawmill, owned by J.D. Irving Ltd., officially closed Nov. 1, resulting in the loss of 65 jobs in the area. The company… plans to consolidate its operations and will try to find placements for the affected employees. The mayor of Haut-Madawaska, a rural community of almost 4,000 that includes Baker Brook, has since raised concerns JDI would transfer its wood allocation and remove equipment from the mill, effectively warding off any competition to move in its stead. …JDI spokesperson Mary Keith said late Thursday the “wood allocation will still be used to sustain much needed jobs” in northern New Brunswick.