Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes is looking to a federal minister to answer questions about the closure of the Domtar pulp and paper mill in Espanola.
In a letter to François-Philippe Champagne, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada, Hughes states in 2019, the government provided Domtar with $28.8 million to help the mill with technical innovation to produce products to reduce the use of single-use plastics and preserve jobs.
Hughes says given the short amount of time between the purchase by the company Paper Excellence and closure announcement, “many cannot help but wonder if the interest in intent by Paper Excellence from the beginning was to actually close the mill to reduce competitiveness in the market.”
She adds the federal government must do more to ensure these types of sales include guarantees to maintain operations and protect jobs.
Hughes is also asking they meet with representatives of Domtar and parent company to prevent the upcoming closure and discuss the situation given the hardship and ripple effects in the community and surrounding area.