What's Happening?
Unifor Québec and local stakeholders are urgently appealing to the Quebec government to secure a temporary allocation of 100,000 cubic meters of timber to prevent the permanent closure of Scierie des Outardes, a sawmill operated by Domtar in Baie-Comeau.
The union issued a public statement on October 28, 2026, highlighting the critical need for intervention to protect approximately 365 jobs in forestry and at the plant. This appeal follows an indefinite suspension of operations announced by Domtar earlier, which was initially described as temporary and linked to broader production adjustments. The dispute over wood supply has been ongoing for months, with the MRC de Manicouagan issuing a formal warning in July 2026 about the threat to the sawmill. Stakeholders believe that access to timber located about 100 kilometers north of the mill, in cooperation with the Innu community of Pessamit, could allow operations to continue until spring.
Why It's Important?
The potential closure of Scierie des Outardes carries significant economic implications for the region, with local reporting attributing an annual regional economic activity of C$150 million to the sawmill. The loss of 365 jobs would have a substantial impact on the livelihoods of many families and the local economy. Furthermore, the ongoing timber supply dispute underscores broader challenges within the forestry sector, particularly concerning resource allocation and the stability of operations for major producers like Domtar. The situation highlights the delicate balance between industrial needs, environmental considerations, and indigenous community relations in resource management. A resolution could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled, affecting the long-term viability of other mills and the overall stability of the pulp, paper, and wood products industry.
What's Next?
The immediate next steps involve the Quebec government's decision regarding the requested timber allocation. Key questions remain about whether the government will authorize the supply, if an agreement has been reached with the Pessamit community, and how quickly the wood could be delivered. Until a verified government decision is made, the situation at Scierie des Outardes remains an appealed-for intervention rather than a confirmed reopening or permanent closure. Any future announcement would need to specify the actual permitted volume, harvesting conditions, delivery timetable, and Domtar's operational plan to indicate a change in the sawmill's output. The outcome will be closely watched by timber suppliers, sawmill customers, and other stakeholders in the forestry industry.
Beyond the Headlines
This situation extends beyond immediate job losses and economic impact, touching upon the complex interplay of resource management, indigenous land rights, and industrial sustainability. The call for government intervention highlights the reliance of certain industries on public policy and resource allocation decisions. The involvement of the Innu community of Pessamit underscores the growing importance of collaborative resource management that respects indigenous rights and traditional territories. The dispute also reflects the broader challenges faced by the pulp and paper industry, which must navigate fluctuating market demands, environmental regulations, and the need for consistent raw material supply. The resolution of this specific case could influence future policies on timber allocation and stakeholder engagement in resource-dependent regions.
