Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, has released the following statement in response to Domtar’s announcement of an indefinite curtailment of its Howe Sound pulp mill:

“This is an immensely difficult day for the Sunshine Coast. These are not just jobs, these are livelihoods that have supported families and communities for generations. Our hearts go out to every worker, every family and every business on the Sunshine Coast that will feel the effects of this decision.

“We have been engaging with the company to better understand the full scope of the challenges it is facing. We are prepared to work through the cross-government working group to identify practical, long-term solutions. This work will be most effective with Domtar’s continued participation in the process and a shared focus on maintaining a strong presence in British Columbia.

“British Columbia’s pulp sector is feeling the effects of a seismic shift in the global pulp market. We are currently approaching the lowest pulp prices in 100 years, when adjusted for inflation.

“B.C.’s northern bleached softwood kraft pulp is being outcompeted by low-cost hardwood eucalyptus pulp, which is found primarily in the southern hemisphere. Hardwood pulp technology continues to advance, pushing down the price of pulp and reducing opportunities for softwood pulp. It’s clear there is a need to increase the work to pivot the sector in our province to ensure its continued success and maintain these good-paying jobs in B.C.

“Understanding the cause does not lessen our responsibility to act. We will be reaching out to the Sunshine Coast community immediately, working with local leaders, labour representatives and workers to ensure people get the support they need, including income and mental-health supports, as they navigate this transition.”