The Ontario government has announced it will invest $426,000 to create a new action centre to provide back-to-work assistance for the 484 pulp and paper workers recently laid off from the Domtar mill in Espanola, west of Sudbury.
Domtar announced in September that the mill would be closing indefinitely and the closure would affect more than 450 workers.
“The Espanola mill has been challenged for some time now,” said Steve Henry, Domtar's paper and packaging president.
“We have worked diligently to find a viable path forward for the operation, including offering it for sale. Employees affected by this change have earned our appreciation and we thank them for their contributions. We also want to thank federal and provincial officials for their efforts,”
On Dec. 12, the Ontario government said the creation of an action centre would assist workers to get new jobs more quickly.
A wide range of services and tailored supports will be offered to help workers transition, including seminars on resume writing and cover letters, job searches, financial planning workshops and mental health resources, said the government news release.
“To prepare for the future of work, we need to build a stronger Ontario that leaves no one behind,” said David Piccini, Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
“Our government is proud to invest in the Domtar Action Centre to give a hand-up to the hard-working men and women of Espanola so they can land better jobs and bigger paycheques for themselves and their families.”
Working in partnership with Unifor Local 74, Unifor 156 and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 956, the Domtar Action Centre will provide customized resources to help affected workers prepare for other well-paying manufacturing work in Northern Ontario. The centre will also connect workers with the resources and training they need to find jobs in forestry, the skilled trades and other in-demand industries, said the release.
A union representative said the action centre would be helpful.
"Although our ultimate wish would be for all Unifor Local 74 membership to have the opportunity to work together again one day, we are grateful to have been granted approval for the Unifor (Domtar) Action Centre,” said Chris Presley, Unifor Local 74 President.
"We would like to thank the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and Unifor National for the contributions and support we have been given during this difficult time. Our action centre co-ordinators and peer helpers look forward to helping our members find the resources that will help them ease into this transition – this would not have been possible without the partnership between the Ministry and Unifor,” he said.
The Domtar Action Centre will operate until at least October 2024 and is located at 77 Centre Street in Espanola. Domtar and Unifor Local 74 will also be investing $184,600 in the action centre, said the news release.
