The B.C. government says Domtar is “indefinitely curtailing” its Howe Sound pulp mill, which the company says has 350 workers.
In a statement, Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, said this decision of an “indefinite curtailment” is immensely difficult for the community and its workers.
“These are not just jobs, these are livelihoods that have supported families and communities for generations,” Parmar said.
“Our hearts go out to every worker, every family and every business on the Sunshine Coast that will feel the effects of this decision.”
Parmar said the government has been engaging with Domtar to better understand the scope of the challenges they are facing and is prepared to work to identify long-term solutions.
“British Columbia’s pulp sector is feeling the effects of a seismic shift in the global pulp market,” Parmar added.
“We are currently approaching the lowest pulp prices in 100 years, when adjusted for inflation.
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“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.”
Sechelt’s mayor said the news about Howe Sound Mill is devastating.
“This announcement is devastating to Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast. As one of, if not the largest, private sector employers on the Coast, the impact on our economy is going to be brutal,” Sechelt Mayor John Henderson said in a statement.
Parmar said it is clear there is a need to increase the work to pivot the sector in British Columbia.
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“Understanding the cause does not lessen our responsibility to act,” he added.
“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.”
In July, Canfor announced it is shutting down the Northwood Pulp Mill in Prince George, which affected 300 jobs.
In December, Domtar closed the Crofton Mill on Vancouver Island, which left 350 employees out of work.
“alfred mannion
August 20, 2026 at 11:34 pm
3rd world owners that run the mill into the ground while making tons of money, plus the liberal/ndp forest policy and heavy taxes”
Funny how you call them 3rd world because they’re immigrants yet they have more money than you do LOL
3rd world owners that run the mill into the ground while making tons of money, plus the liberal/ndp forest policy and heavy taxes
More B.S. from the NDP.
“Jay Voorhees
August 20, 2026 at 6:35 pm
Great news! The last thing we need is another Eby activist supporter spewing nasty gases and toxic chemicals into the atmosphere!!”
That doesn’t even make sense. Damn you’re f**king stupid 🤣🤣
Great news! The last thing we need is another Eby activist supporter spewing nasty gases and toxic chemicals into the atmosphere!!
Parmar is doing just as well at this part of his job as he is managing our forests and the forest fires. Guys totally useless at everything and just loves to hear himself talk to the media.
Great news! The last thing we need is another pulp mill spewing nasty greenhouse gasses and toxic chemicals into the atmosphere!!