Abitibi-Consolidated’s sale of 196,000ha of Ontario timberland to a US company has been criticised by Canada’s largest forestry union.
The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers’ Union is calling on the government, Abitibi and purchaser Wagner Forest Management Ltd to ensure wood produced from the Thunder Bay forest is processed within Canada, thereby protecting domestic jobs.
The union described Abitibi’s mill in Thunder Bay as vital to the economic well-being of the region.
Wagner has reportedly confirmed that it will be selling wood to Canadian companies, including Abitibi’s Fort William mill in Thunder Bay.
Wagner, which bought the timberlands for C$55m, will manage the acquisition through subsidiary North Star Forestry Ltd.
