Domtar has made public the decision to indefinitely halt operations at the Howe Sound Pulp and Paper mill located on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast. The announcement was made during a meeting for employees held on Aug. 20 at the facility in Port Mellon. Additionally, operations at the Bayview Fibre chipping facility, also owned by Domtar, will be put on hold. The company estimates that around 400 employees will be affected by this decision.
Andrew Appleton, a tugboat captain with 22 years of service at the mill, expressed shock at the news, mentioning that the closure was something they had considered but did not anticipate happening so rapidly. Employees were informed that their last working day would be on Oct. 19, leading to a sense of uncertainty among the workforce.
In 2015, a portion of the mill’s operations was closed down, impacting up to 180 workers. Domtar’s president, Luc Thériault, cited reduced demand from Asia, ongoing low pulp prices globally, and a decline in the availability of affordable domestic fiber as reasons for the latest closure. Thériault emphasized that the decision was a result of careful deliberation and not a reflection of the employees’ efforts.
Appleton, contemplating his next steps after the closure, highlighted the ripple effect on the Sunshine Coast community and the coastal forest sector. The closure of the Crofton mill by Domtar in December, affecting approximately 350 employees, was also referenced.
Unifor National president Lana Payne expressed disappointment at the closure and urged immediate action from the B.C. and federal governments to address the deepening crisis in the forestry sector. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar extended his sympathy to those impacted and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to find long-term solutions amid challenging market conditions. He pledged support for affected individuals, including income and mental health assistance, during the transition.
The move by Domtar to suspend operations at the Howe Sound pulp and paper mill underscores the broader challenges facing the forestry industry, prompting calls for urgent intervention and support from various stakeholders.
