The proposed purchase of Produits Forestiers Résolu by Corporation Domtar, an American company, has raised concerns for the Quebec Liberal party (QLP).

THE EQUITY spoke to Pontiac MNA André Fortin who highlighted that although companies get bought out often, the CAQ government, in this case, failed to negotiate guarantees when it came to securing jobs or mills in the province.

“There are still many in the Pontiac whether they’re private woodlot owners, truckers or others who need a stable industry. Since Fortress closed three years ago the government really has done nothing but buy time. And it’s our economy and the entire region that is suffering because of it,” said Fortin.

What he is hoping to see from the . . .

current government is for them to make a decision on Fortress now as it is an industry many people rely on, said Fortin.

Fortress was a pulp mill and since its closure the entire chain has been impacted by government inaction, including private woodlot owners and truckers, said Fortin. Although the forestry industry probably won’t be exactly as it used to be in the Pontiac, but there still remains a significant potential for economic growth, he added.

Some of the concerns highlighted by the QLP include include the preservation of current jobs in Quebec; future investments, for factories and for supporting regional economies; protecting lumber, and maintaining the continuity of the partnership between Résolu and the Quebec government, as mentioned in a July 7 press release.

For Warden Jane Toller who is looking to revitalize the mill industry here in the Pontiac, she sees all investment opportunities as a great way to enhance the industry. She highlighted that Quebec may not have all the answers in terms of forestry so having new companies come and invest here may bring along new solutions, she said.

“If a company from another country can come with a good idea, that is to keep people employed and make a good product that can be sold, then that is excellent,” said Toller.

One of the biggest concerns she had was finding investors interested in the area, she added when speaking about the Pontiac, and said that the issue with the CAQ moving slowly on making decisions around forestry is because it is a very costly industry, and without investors the government can not maintain it on its own.

In fact Toller also highlighted that there has been interest in the Pontiac from investors and that she is seeing a possibility in mills in the Pontiac opening back up. “It is the dream of the Pontiac which there is no reason why it cannot become a reality and to be a major player in forestry again.”

One other concern is limiting investors based on Bill 96, the language laws in Quebec that may hinder people from conducting their business in the province, noted Toller.

“English is the business language of the world,” she said. “We really shouldn’t be in a position where we are trying to prevent anybody from coming.”

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