Carol Hughes, MP for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing, was shocked and saddened to learn the Espanola Mill will be idling indefinitely and for a minimum of one year.
She says this is a somber day for workers, their families, the Town of Espanola, and surrounding communities, adding once you lay off workers, the chance of being able to rehire them becomes more challenging as those experienced professionals move on with their careers elsewhere.
There’s always hope for communities dealing with company closures, adds Hughes, citing White  River as a community that eventually bounced back after its lumber mill was shut down.
She did note it was an exceptionally difficult process to rebuild their workforce.
Hughes was advised that Domtar was appreciative of past investments, but no government assistance could help to address the current situation.
She adds workers and their families are encouraged to reach out to her office should they require assistance with benefits they may need to access.
