Candidates weigh in on paper mills closing their doors
Schreiner says Ontario needs a biomass strategy, at a time when the province’s forestry industry faces significant cuts and the Ontario Forest Industries Association says the industry would not be able to withstand further tariffs from the U.S.
Some suggested industry solutions include, changes to the building code to allow for taller buildings using lumber and more biomass energy projects, essentially producing electricity by burning wood.
At the debate, Ford touted diversification as a way to save the forestry industry.
“Where were you the last seven years?” Stiles replied.
In December 2023, the pulp and paper mill in Espanola, Ont., owned by Domtar, closed. That left Kapuskasing as the region’s final pulp and paper mill. In January, that mill avoided closing its doors thanks to a $10-million loan from the provincial government.
