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Photo by Bill KeayAround 400 pulp mill and chipping workers at Port Mellon on Howe Sound learned on Thursday that they have lost their jobs.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorAccording to forest products company Domtar, its Howe Sound mill and Bayview Fibre chipping facility in Port Mellon will be “indefinitely idled.” Operations are expected to cease in October.“Despite capital investment of nearly $500 million since the mill was purchased in 2010, and the construction of the Bayview Fibre facility, the business cannot overcome reduced demand from Asia, unprecedented and sustained poor pricing for pulp globally, and a decline in affordable domestic fibre,” said Luc Thériault, Domtar’s president of Canadian operations.“The business decision to indefinitely idle these facilities is the result of careful consideration and is not a reflection on the employees. The teams at Howe Sound and Bayview Fibre worked tirelessly to improve performance but current market conditions require this step.”Breaking business news, incisive views, must-reads and market signals. Weekdays by 9 a.m.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Posthaste will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againAround 400 jobs will be lost.The Truck Loggers Association said it was deeply disappointed by the announcement, calling it a “serious setback for B.C.’s coastal forest sector and the communities that depend on it.”In a statement, the association noted independent logging and forestry contractors, local businesses and communities would all be impacted by the decision.“The Truck Loggers Association continues to call on all government to take decisive action to improve access to economically viable fibre, address B.C.’s high-cost operating environment and create the conditions needed to sustain forestry jobs, contractors and rural communities.”Domtar closed its Crofton pulp mill on Vancouver Island in Dec. 2025.Ravi Parmar, B.C. Minister of Forests, said global pulp prices are at a low point, driven by increased supply of low-cost hardwood eucalyptus pulp from 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.,” Parmar said.“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.” Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. 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