"I am deeply saddened that we are forced to idle the Stadacona mill and am very aware of the hardship this will impose on our quality employees who work there. However, the operation of Stadacona is simply unsustainable in the current cost environment," said Christopher Brant, president. "We need to resolve an integrated package of challenges quickly to be able to turn the situation around for the entire White Birch family of mills in Quebec. This is a difficult time for everyone at White Birch, and in our industry at large, but I remain confident that we can find a way to secure important new investment and emerge as a renewed company that provides sustainable long-term opportunities for our employees and value to our shareholders and the broader community in Quebec."
Deteriorating economic conditions, which include decreasing demand for newsprint and higher fiber costs, coupled with the inability to come to an economic agreement with union employees, have contributed to this decision, the company noted.
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