Canada’s largest private-sector union says it supports Kruger Inc.’s plan to invest up to $700 million in modernizing its Corner Brook, N.L., paper mill, calling the announcement encouraging news for forestry workers facing industry challenges.
The investment comes as Canada’s forestry sector grapples with increased duties and tariff threats from the United States, creating what Unifor describes as a crisis requiring government intervention to protect jobs and provide financial assistance.
Union pushes for modernization across sector
Unifor has been advocating for forestry companies to invest in facility upgrades to adapt to changing markets and increase production of Canadian-made pulp and paper products.
“Unifor has long been pushing for forestry corporations to invest in facilities to adapt to changing markets, modernize older operations and increase our capacity to deliver more made-in-Canada pulp and paper products,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We welcome the needed Kruger Inc. investment in Corner Brook and support improvements that protect good forestry jobs and that maintain and improve working conditions for Unifor members.”
Local workers cautiously optimistic
The Corner Brook mill employs nearly 250 Unifor members across six local unions, including Locals 64, 242, 96, 57N, 60N and Deer Lake Power Local 495.
“This is good news for members of the six Unifor locals at the Kruger mill in Corner Brook,” said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. “We need to know more about the company’s plans, but we are optimistic that these investments could support the future of the mill, protecting jobs for the next generation of workers.”
Broader industry challenges
The union has been working with the federal government on plans to use Canada’s forestry resources in housing construction initiatives. However, recent trade tensions with the United States have created significant challenges for the sector.
Unifor says the current situation requires all levels of government to develop economic protection plans, trade diversification strategies, and enhanced income security provisions for forestry workers.
The union represents 320,000 workers across major sectors of the Canadian economy and advocates for worker rights and social justice issues.
