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Hupacasath First Nation signs Memorandum of Understanding with Catalyst Paper

domtarcom on April 14, 2022

For Immediate Release:

[Richmond, BC] – Hupacasath First Nation and Catalyst Paper, a Paper Excellence company, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU sets out the intentions of both parties to build a collaborative relationship together.

“Signing this MOU is about change. It’s about all of us at Paper Excellence, rightfully recognizing and respecting the aboriginal rights of the Hupacasath Nation and forging a relationship that allows us to grow together as partners into the future. It’s change that is long overdue. It’s change that is needed. And it’s change that we look forward to,” said Walter Tarnowsky, General Manager, Catalyst Port Alberni.

“The Hupacasath Nation is pleased to take this important first step in building a mutually beneficial relationship with the Port Alberni mill,” said Chief Councillor Brandy Lauder. “Our people have been in this valley since time immemorial and we value meaningful partnerships with the forest industry in our territory.”  

Paper Excellence understands the importance of being good neighbours and greatly values its relationships with Indigenous communities. Paper Excellence’s approach is to build long-term high value partnerships with communities in its operating areas and where practicable to align its vision, values and corporate policies with local Indigenous Peoples. Towards this commitment, Paper Excellence is focused on building beneficial business partnerships and supporting community investment with initiatives that focus on business capacity, education, health and culture, and sustainability projects.

Walter Tarnowksy (left), General Manager at Catalyst Port Alberni, shaking hands with Chief Councillor Brandy Lauder (right), after signing an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Hupacasath First Nation and Catalyst Paper, a Paper Excellence company.

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Paper Excellence, headquartered in British Columbia, is a diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers. The company operates seven mills and a large-scale cargo distribution centre in Canada producing and shipping over 2.8 million tonnes annually with a workforce of more than 2,800. Paper Excellence is poised to continue to grow with its strategy of operational excellence and high-quality, cost-effective products.

Media Contact: Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety and Corporate Communications | media@paperexcellence.com | Mobile: (250) 732-7991

Paper Excellence donates $50,000 to College of the Rockies for scholarship program

domtarcom on March 22, 2022

For Immediate Release:

[Richmond, BC] –Paper Excellence announced today that it is donating $50,000 to the College of the Rockies to create a Paper Excellence student awards scholarship program. Over the next five years, ten $1,000 scholarship awards will be distributed each year.

Paper Excellence operates Skookumchuck Pulp mill which is located just north of Cranbrook and Kimberley in the East Kootenays. The awards are meant to encourage and recognize local youth with good academic achievement in high school who are enrolled in programs related to the operation of a pulp mill such as heavy-duty equipment technician, millwright, welder or engineer. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, and/or financial need.

“We state in our Core Values that we are an economic pillar and a partner in our operating communities,” said Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety, and Corporate Communications. “Investing in young people and supporting the development of the local workforce lets us live that value by contributing to local prosperity and well-being through education. The College of the Rockies is well placed to provide this training with seven campuses in the region. It serves a regional population of close to 83,000 people and provides instruction to approximately 2100 full-time equivalent (FTE) students.”  

“Generous contributions from donors like Paper Excellence are a pillar of our scholarship and bursary program,” said Deb Carty, College of the Rockies’ Vice President External Relations. “The Paper Excellence Scholarship is sure to have a tremendous positive impact on many College of the Rockies students over the next five years.”

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Paper Excellence, headquartered in British Columbia, is a diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers. The company operates seven mills and a large-scale cargo distribution centre in Canada producing and shipping over 2.8 million tonnes annually with a workforce of more than 2,800. Paper Excellence is poised to continue to grow with its strategy of operational excellence and high-quality, cost-effective products.

Media Contact: Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety and Corporate Communications | media@paperexcellence.com | Mobile: (250) 732-7991

Paper Excellence donates $50,000 to Vancouver Island University for scholarship program

domtarcom on March 22, 2022

For Immediate Release:

[Richmond, BC] – Paper Excellence announced today that it is donating $50,000 to Vancouver Island University (VIU) to create a Paper Excellence student awards scholarship program. Over the next five years, ten $1,000 scholarship awards will be distributed each year.

Paper Excellence operates two mills on Vancouver Island­—Catalyst Crofton and Catalyst Port Alberni—and one mill on the Sunshine Coast—Howe Sound Pulp & Paper. The awards are meant to encourage and recognize Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast youth. They will be available to students with a demonstrated strong work ethic and a positive attitude who have enrolled in programs related to the operation of a pulp mill such as heavy mechanical trades, power engineering, heavy equipment operator or welding.

“As we continue to build our business strategy for our coastal operations, we know it’s important to invest in the community,” said Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety, and Corporate Communications. “Investing in young people and supporting the development of the local workforce makes sense for us. Vancouver Island University is well placed to provide this training with four campuses on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast and a variety of relevant programs on offer.”  

“This generous donation from Paper Excellence means 50 VIU students will be able to attend classes with fewer financial worries and transition into high-demand careers in the trades,” said Glynis Steen, Dean of Trades and Applied Technology. “Once they graduate, that’s dozens of skilled tradespeople giving back in our communities and strengthening British Columbia’s economy.”

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Paper Excellence, headquartered in British Columbia, is a diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers. The company operates seven mills and a large-scale cargo distribution centre in Canada producing and shipping over 2.8 million tonnes annually with a workforce of more than 2,800. Paper Excellence is poised to continue to grow with its strategy of operational excellence and high-quality, cost-effective products.

Media Contact: Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety and Corporate Communications | media@paperexcellence.com | Mobile: (250) 732-7991

Regular seasonal operation of the Cowichan Lake weir to begin in early April

domtarcom on March 21, 2022

For Immediate Release:

[Richmond, BC] – In early April, Catalyst Crofton, a Paper Excellence company, will resume regular seasonal operation the Cowichan Lake weir (dam) that regulates water flow out of Cowichan Lake.

Once operating, the weir operation will gradually reduce water flow from the lake to the river in order to have enough extra water in the lake to achieve the target river flow during the dry summer months.

Catalyst Crofton operates the weir under the direction of the provincial government which sets the target river flow with guidance provided by fish and fish habitat stewards including Fisheries and Oceans Canada.  

Once the weir is mechanically and electrically confirmed to be ready for another control season, the boat lock gates will be lowered, and boater traffic must navigate from lake and river with assistance from Boat Lock operator. While the weir boat lock is operated 24 hours per day during control season, boat passage through the locks is intended to be a daylight activity. Adjustments to river flow are also made mostly during the day shift.

The monitoring and regulation of Cowichan Lake water levels and flow releases is part of the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to maintain stream flows for all stakeholders.

Lake level, river flow and snowpack data are available under Cowichan Water Management Information at the bottom of the page here:
https://paperexcellence.com/mill-location/crofton/

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For further information, please contact:
David Johnson
Licensed Senior Regional Specialist
Water and Dam Safety, Government of British Columbia
250-739-8239

Brian Houle
Manager, Environment
Catalyst Crofton
250-246-6236

Paper Excellence, headquartered in British Columbia, is a diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers. The company operates seven mills and a large-scale cargo distribution centre in Canada producing and shipping over 2.8 million tonnes annually with a workforce of more than 2,800. Paper Excellence is poised to continue to grow with its strategy of operational excellence and high-quality, cost-effective products.

Paper Excellence donates $50,000 to Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund

domtarcom on March 8, 2022

For Immediate Release:

[Richmond, BC] –Paper Excellence announced today its $50,000 donation to the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund operated by Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business (CCAB).

The Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund (IWEF) provides grants to Indigenous women-owned businesses who may lack access to conventional financing. For a business to qualify for the program, it must be at least 51% owned and controlled by an Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) woman and be registered in Canada.

“Paper Excellence is focused on building beneficial business partnerships and supporting community investment with initiatives that focus on business capacity, education, health and culture, and sustainability projects,” said Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety, and Corporate Communications. “Thanks to the recent research (Oct 2021) carried out by our partners at CCAB, we know that Indigenous women entrepreneurs across Canada have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and we see stepping up and supporting these economic initiatives as one way to live out our Commitment to Indigenous Peoples.”  

“We are grateful to Paper Excellence for their support and commitment to Indigenous women in business through an investment in the IWEF program,” said CCAB President and CEO, Tabatha Bull. “Supporting economic initiatives for Indigenous women and entrepreneurs is a great step toward reconciliation.”

The CCAB positions Indigenous business at the focal point for strengthening Indigenous communities, promoting progressive and prosperous relationships, and growing a new economy based on mutual respect and shared prosperity. Successful applicants of the IWEF receive a Certified Aboriginal Business membership during the first year of their grant that allows the business to participate in the Aboriginal Procurement Marketplace as well as valuable networking events.

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Paper Excellence, headquartered in British Columbia, is a diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers. The company operates seven mills and a large-scale cargo distribution centre in Canada producing and shipping over 2.8 million tonnes annually with a workforce of more than 2,800. Paper Excellence is poised to continue to grow with its strategy of operational excellence and high-quality, cost-effective products.

Media Contact: Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety and Corporate Communications | media@paperexcellence.com | Mobile: (250) 732-7991

Resolute Racers

domtarcom on March 8, 2022

Resolute employees are getting into the competitive spirit, participating in several high-octane, endurance-testing events.

Jerome Bareth gives his all at work, where he manages Continuous Improvement for Resolute’s Hialeah and Orlando (Florida) and Calhoun (Tennessee) tissue mills. But he keeps plenty of gas in the tank for another activity he’s passionate about: endurance competitions! A world-class Ultraman triathlete who has traveled the globe to take part in competitions, Jerome’s most recent event was Ultraman Florida, which took place on the weekend of February 11. What’s an Ultraman competition? A three day triathlon consisting of a 6.2 mile (9.9 km) open water swim, a 263 mile (423 km) bike ride, and a 52.4 mile (84.3 km) ultra-marathon run. Jerome finished this competition third in the male category and fourth overall, proudly sponsored by Resolute Tissue.

  • © Jennifer Pahls
  • © Jennifer Pahls

Jerome’s enthusiasm has proved contagious – he has recruited a number of his colleagues to join him for upcoming endurance events. Clash Miami takes place on the weekend of March 11. Jerome will enter the middle distance triathlon event, while his teammates compete in the relays.

And in April, another team of Resolute Tissue employees will participate in the Deviant Wolfe Adventure Race, ending in Sanford, Florida. The competitors must work as a team, and will need to use their trekking, biking, paddling, navigation and orienteering skills.

Kudos to these gutsy, goal-driven competitors for getting involved in community life, contributing to a spirit of fun and camaraderie on the job, and reminding us just how many ways there are to get active!

Introducing Harmony Paper Towels & Bath Tissue

domtarcom on March 2, 2022

With its perfect combination of softness and strength, Harmony’s line of retail bath tissue and towel brings a great blend of premium quality and value to your shelves. Backed by Resolute’s vertically integrated production, this eye-catching brand delivers consistent industry-leading performance in every sheet.
The Harmony line offers outstanding quality, performance and value that gets noticed in store and builds loyalty at home.

• Colorful Harmony packaging captures shoppers’ attention
• Great consumer value that enhances retail margins
• Includes offerings made with Resolute Tissue’s premium structured paper grade

Paper Excellence Announces Meadow Lake Production Slowdown Due To Lack of Railway Service

domtarcom on February 11, 2022

For Immediate Release:

[Richmond, BC] – Paper Excellence today announced an indefinite production slowdown of its Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan BCTMP mill due to repeated lack of railway service.

Meadow Lake Mechanical Pulp Inc., which employs 190 people and infuses over $1 million daily into Canada’s economy, is dependent on CN Rail, which has failed to transport Meadow Lake’s pulp production to ports for months. The mill has exhausted local storage facilities.

“While we remain committed to servicing our customers’ needs during this slowdown, we are extremely concerned about this railway situation and hope that it can be resolved soon,” said Stew Gibson, Vice President, Operations and Logistics. Paper Excellence plans to return the mill to full production once reliable railway service is reestablished. 

To learn more about Meadow Lake Mechanical Pulp Inc., watch the mill video on YouTube.

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Paper Excellence, headquartered in British Columbia, is a diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers. The company operates seven mills and a large-scale cargo distribution centre in Canada producing and shipping over 2.8 million tonnes annually with a workforce of more than 2,800. Paper Excellence is poised to continue to grow with its strategy of operational excellence and high-quality, cost-effective products.

Media Contact: Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety and Corporate Communications | media@paperexcellence.com | Mobile: (250) 732-7991

Paper Excellence receives $8.6 million in funding from CleanBC

domtarcom on February 1, 2022

For Immediate Release:

[Richmond, BC] – Paper Excellence is pleased to have received $8.6 million of the more than $70 million in provincial funding announced by the CleanBC Industry Fund yesterday.

CleanBC Industry Fund is a provincial government program that invests a portion of government’s carbon tax revenues into businesses working on emission reduction projects. This round of funding is expected to reduce emissions by 4.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent over the next decade.

“This funding is being invested at four of our BC mills into projects that will reduce the mills’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve efficiency,” said Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety, and Corporate Communications. “Programs like the CleanBC Industry Fund are helping industry achieve British Columbia’s ambition for a low carbon future.”

The four mills—Catalyst Crofton, Catalyst Port Alberni, Howe Sound Pulp & Paper, Skookumchuck Pulp—employ more than 1,500 people in rural BC and make an economic contribution of $2.25 billion annually.

“Separate from the economic impact these mills have in their local communities, our products are spearheading carbon reduction every day,” said Kissack. “Our paper and pulp products are made from a renewable resource that often displace existing plastic products.”

Quotes:

Katrine Conroy, Minister for Forest, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development and MLA for Kootenay West
“People across the Kootenays are passionate about tackling climate change and reducing our emissions,” said Minister Conroy. “After seeing the impacts of climate change first-hand over the last year, these projects are very timely for our communities. I’m really glad that Skookumchuk Pulp is working with our government to move this project forward, helping us all reduce our emissions and breathe a little easier.”

Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid-Island – Pacific Rim
“We all need to do our part to reduce emissions and slow the progress of climate change, including our industry partners,” said MLA Osborne. “With this investment from our government’s CleanBC Industry Fund, Catalyst will be able to reduce their emissions significantly, the equivalent of taking over 500 cars off the road per year.”

Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo – North Cowichan
After the extreme weather we have seen in the past year, it’s more clear than ever that we need to focus on addressing climate change,” said MLA Routley. “I am grateful for the leadership that local industry partners have shown in addressing climate change while continuing to provide good paying, family supporting jobs in our community. Our government is committed to working with industry through our CleanBC program to transition operations so that workers are not displaced in the process, and the funding announced today reflects this commitment.”

Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River – Sunshine Coast
People on the Sunshine Coast are committed to doing their part to reduce emissions, and that includes our industries,” said MLA Simons. “These projects at the Port Mellon mill will have the same effect as taking over 2,900 cars off the road per year and help get us closer to our climate goals.”

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Paper Excellence, headquartered in British Columbia, is a diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers. The company operates seven mills and a large-scale cargo distribution centre in Canada producing and shipping over 2.8 million tonnes annually with a workforce of more than 2,800. Paper Excellence is poised to continue to grow with its strategy of operational excellence and high-quality, cost-effective products.

Media Contact: Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety and Corporate Communications | media@paperexcellence.com | Mobile: (250) 732-7991

Pinder Rehal, Senior Communications Specialist | pinderr@uwbc.ca | | Direct: 604.969.8637

Paper Excellence partners with Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies to create $50,000 trades scholarship fund

domtarcom on January 26, 2022

For Immediate Release:

[Richmond, BC] – Paper Excellence today announced it has partnered with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) to create a $50,000 scholarship fund. The scholarship fund will provide two $5,000 awards annually to students of self-declared Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Inuit, or Metis) who are enrolled full-time in a Trades and Industrial diploma or apprenticeship level program at any SIIT campus or community-based location.

The scholarship fund is supported by the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship (SIOS) program, which will match Paper Excellence’s original donation of $25,000 to reach a total of $50,000. SIOS is an initiative of the Ministry of Advanced Education that matches funds raised by post-secondary institutions through private sector and community-based partners.

“It’s our pleasure to work with SIIT to create this scholarship, especially as our company looks to increase our operations in Saskatchewan with plans to restart the Prince Albert pulp mill in addition to our ongoing business at Meadow Lake Mechanical Pulp,” said Carlo Dal Monte, Vice President, Energy & Business Development.  

“Thank you, Paper Excellence, for your investment in our students and their futures,” said Riel Bellegarde, President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies. “These scholarships will help to alleviate financial barriers, and support students in pursuing their educational and career goals in the skilled trades.”

“Thank you to Paper Excellence for partnering with SIIT to support students, along with their efforts to strengthen our communities and economy,” Advanced Education Minister Gene Makowsky said. “These supports assist students as they achieve their educational goals, transition to employment and participate in the growth of the Saskatchewan economy”

Paper Excellence has made community investments in Saskatchewan over the past several months, including the creation of a $50,000 scholarship fund with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, a $12,000 donation to the NorthWest Community Lodge Association Inc., a $10,000 donation to Buckland Fire & Rescue, and a variety of local community donations including the Prince Albert YWCA, Prince Albert Food Bank, and S.H.A.R.E. Prince Albert.

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Paper Excellence, headquartered in British Columbia, is a diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers. The company operates seven mills and a large-scale cargo distribution centre in Canada producing and shipping over 2.8 million tonnes annually with a workforce of more than 2,800. Paper Excellence is poised to continue to grow with its strategy of operational excellence and high-quality, cost-effective products.

Media Contact: Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety and Corporate Communications | media@paperexcellence.com | Mobile: (250) 732-7991