Following the news last week that the Commonwealth Plywood mill in Rapides-des-Joachims would be closing on December 19 for an indefinite period, laying off 23 workers in the process, a representative of the company has responded with a detailed list of reasons for the closure.
In an email, Joël Quévillon, the company’s vice-president of forestry explained that immediately after the mill reopened in January 2023, the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (MNRF) cut their pine allocation by around 30%.
He also pointed to the increase in fibre costs, and the impact of other Outaouais mills closing, such as Fortress in Thurso and more recently Résolu in Maniwaki.
At the MRC Pontiac council of mayors meeting on November 27, a unanimous resolution was passed in support of Commonwealth. In a statement to Radio-Canada, the MNRF said that they are aware of the situation and actively working to find solutions.
