Deal reached to reopen shuttered Howe Sound pulp mill, union says

Deal reached to reopen shuttered Howe Sound pulp mill, union says

Unifor says deal between province and mill owner would reopen site if members ratify collective agreement

A union representing B.C. pulp mill workers says it's welcoming news that a shuttered facility in Howe Sound is set to reopen later this month.

Unifor says a deal between the province and operator Domtar has the mill poised to get back up and running should members ratify a new collective agreement next week.

Domtar said in August that it was shutting the Howe Sound Pulp and Paper mill indefinitely due to a drop in demand, low prices and not enough available fibre.

Unifor national president Lana Payne says the reopening is "terrific news" for members and the community on the Sunshine Coast.

She lauded "close collaboration" between the government, workers and industry to keep the sector alive and sustainable.

The Truck Loggers Association says it's "encouraged by the news" that the mill in Port Mellon is set to start up again later this month.

‘Worst news’: Workers told Sunshine Coast mill shutting down after 117 years