Forestry giant behind idled B.C. mill received millions in government funding
Forestry giant Domtar has indefinitely idled its Port Mellon mill in British Columbia, resulting in 400 job losses. The company cites low global pulp prices and fiber shortages as the primary reasons for the closure, which has devastated the local community.
Why it matters
The closure underscores the ongoing instability in the Canadian forestry sector and the economic vulnerability of resource-dependent communities.
"The mood is pretty sombre right now. It's a feeling of shock," tugboat captain Andrew Appleton said.
"Next to somebody dying, this is probably the worst news I've ever had."
Appleton is among about 400 workers who learned Thursday that they would lose their jobs at the Port Mellon facility.
Tugboat captain Andrew Appleton has worked at the Port Mellon mill for 22 years. (CBC News) "The reaction here has been shock all throughout the community, that's all up and down the Sunshine Coast, and there's a lot of uneasiness as well," said Gibsons Mayor Silas White.
"The impact trickles out to other forestry operations on the Sunshine Coast that are directly connected to the mill manufacturing businesses ... all the way to restaurants to grocery stores."
The mill's owner, forestry giant Domtar — formerly known as Paper Excellence — described the closure as " indefinite idling."
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