Union leaders believe there are chances for Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper to shift towards different paper products after it halts newsprint production – but they need backing from all levels of government.
The company announced on Thursday that it will stop its newsprint mill operations due to a major drop in demand, impacting 150 employees.
Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper will still function as a single-line Softwood Kraft mill and produce renewable energy for sale to the Ontario grid, according to their statement.
Rob St. Jean serves as president of Unifor Local 257, which represents 31 workers at Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper. He also leads the Ontario Primary Forestry Council.
Although he mentioned that the news wasn’t unexpected, “it was definitely a hard shot to take.”
“For every one job at Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper, there might be up to eight local individuals [who] will be directly affected by it,” St. Jean shared with on Friday.
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We hear from two union representatives and workers at Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper who say last week’s announcement about the impending shutdown of newsprint operations wasn’t surprising, but it still stung sharply.
Other impacted roles not represented by Unifor Local 257 include electrical workers, steam plant engineers, and company positions, he noted.
Demand for newsprint in North America has fallen by 40 percent since 2022 and dropped by 18 percent just in 2025, according to Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper.
In today’s digital world where people can find information instantly on their smartphones, St. Jean remarked that “the writing has been on the wall” for some time now.
“The opportunity for news print has been lost, but not the need for paper product,” he added.
“The diversification is where we need to look moving forward. We need all levels of government – municipal, federal, provincial – to get on board.”
![Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper CEO Norm Bush says]( "Thunder Bay Mill Union Pushes for New Directions After Shutdown 1")
Norm Bush says they’re looking into whether producing something like liner board or another product makes sense. However, he adds that it would require years of preparation along with several hundred million dollars. (Marc Doucette/CBC)
Regarding Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper specifically, Hajdu mentioned that the federal government is collaborating closely with provincial authorities to assist affected employees.
Meanwhile, she also highlighted the government’s labor market agreements with provinces and territories and various measures aimed at supporting industries hit by U. S. tariffs.
“In light of tariffs and economic uncertainty, we’re focused on ensuring workers and businesses can thrive today and lead tomorrow’s economy. It’s only together that we can build foundations for a stronger country and future,” Hajdu stated.
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">< < p></ >< p> At this point, workers at the mill aren’t sure when their final run of newsprint will take place.
