Domtar lobbies Ontario on forestry strategy

Domtar is hoping to remove barriers to create a sustainable future for the forestry sector, and are lobbying the province for help. Bonny Skene with Domtar is urging the province to include alternative access to un-utilized fibre from saw mills in the region in Ontario’s upcoming forestry strategy, to help create more pulp and paper products.

“Cost-effective, accessible, sustainable fibre is the bread and butter of pulp and paper mills. We’re always looking for ways to do that competitively so that we can have a sustainable future.” Wood pulp can be created through either a chemical or a mechanical process, which transforms wood chips into pulp fibres. These fibres are the basis for an extensive range of paper products.

The plan to create a provincial strategy for the forest sector was announced in September 2018. Since that time, the ministry has heard from Indigenous partners, industry and municipal leaders through seven roundtables across the province. The final strategy is expected to be released in the spring of 2020.

Domtar and Skene made their presentation in front of Ontario’s finance minister Rod Phillips in Kenora, during pre-budget consultations. “We always appreciate the opportunity whenever the minister comes to the region, we know it’s a big trek and it’s a real pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with him first-hand. I think it went very well,” added Skene.