Latest news with #Domtar
CBC
04-08-2025
- Health
- CBC
Overdue cancer investigation nearly complete for former Domtar plant, province says
Social Sharing A long overdue investigation into elevated cancer rates among residents living near a former wood treatment plant in northeast Edmonton is expected to be released this year. The investigation began in the Homesteader neighbourhood after a preliminary health study released in 2019 found that residents living near the site of a former Domtar plant had elevated rates of cancer. According to Alberta Health officials, the results of the epidemiological investigation should be published in 2025, more than five years after it was due to be made public. It's the first clear timeline provided by the provincial government about the health study in years — as cleanup of contaminated lands is deemed complete, clearing the way for new residential development where the wood treatment plant once stood. In a statement to CBC News, Alberta Health said the study findings and methodology will be subject to scientific peer review before it is made public. Officials did not say who authored the research or which journal would review the study. "To ensure rigour and an independent peer review process, academic experts are synthesizing the results into a manuscript for submission to a reputable scientific journal," the statement reads. "This approach is necessary to maintain the integrity and credibility of the work, as premature release could potentially compromise this vital process." Once the study is released, it will represent the final chapter of a protracted legal saga over the redevelopment of the plant site and the toxic waste the operation left behind. The plant operated from 1924 until 1987, using toxic preservatives such as creosote to treat railway ties, telephone poles and other wood products. It was that chemical waste that seeped deep into the soil. In 2010, a Toronto-based firm Cherokee purchased the land with the intention of developing a residential area. About 100 homes were built before legal issues arose, as the developer and the province clashed over the environmental cleanup and who should pay for it. In 2018, more than 100 residents received letters warning them their homes were near contaminated lands. Fences were put up, along with signs warning that the soil was toxic with hazardous levels of dioxins, furans and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The following year, as the preliminary health study was released, the province promised to complete a more detailed investigation into the elevated cancer rates among residents and if contamination from the plant was to blame. Conducting the field epidemiology investigation was considered a standard public health practice and the results were meant to guide public health officials in reducing the risk to residents. Alberta Health had promised to make the findings public by the spring of 2020, but blamed ongoing delays on the COVID-19 pandemic. "The field epidemiology investigation for the Homesteader health assessment was paused in March 2020 when available epidemiology resources were fully deployed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic," a ministry official said in a statement last month. "Alberta Health has since engaged academic epidemiologists from the University of Alberta to help complete the work, which is expected to be finished in 2025." The study is being done by Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Federal epidemiologists were dispatched to Edmonton in 2019 to complete several months of field work. That same year, the Ministry of Health contacted residents to participate in a voluntary community survey, focused on risk factors for breast, endometrial, and lung cancer, including family history, proximity to the Domtar site, and time spent outdoors in the neighborhood. Remediation work over the years has involved burying or trucking away the contaminated soil, environmental testing and dust control measures. As the years passed, reminders of the neighbourhood's toxic legacy, including fences and warning signs, have slowly been removed. Last fall, the remaining executive orders for the cleanup of the plant lands were lifted, as Alberta Environment issued reclamation certificates for the three remaining parcels of land where contamination had been found. While the cancer study findings remain outstanding, Alberta Health Services considers the general risk to the public as low. However, until more is known from the epidemiology investigation, residents of the area are encouraged to take added caution with health screening and talk to their doctors about the elevated cancer rates.
Cision Canada
06-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Domtar Unveils Sustainability Targets Through to 2030 Français
Stakeholder-Driven Strategy Sets Performance Targets to Track Progress and Ensure Transparent Delivery of Impacts MONTRÉAL, RICHMOND, BC, and FORT MILL, SC, May 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, Domtar, a leading North American manufacturer of diversified forest products, released its new Sustainability Strategy, a comprehensive plan that aligns the company's priorities with key sustainability objectives and stakeholder interests. The Strategy includes performance metrics and benchmarks to track progress through 2030, with a focus on the company's woodlands and manufacturing operations across Canada and the United States. It will also serve as the framework for Domtar's first integrated Sustainability Report, covering all three business units (Paper & Packaging, Pulp & Tissue and Wood Products), which will be released later this year. "We're proud to release this Strategy at a still relatively early stage in the operational integration of our three legacy companies under the new Domtar brand," said John D. Williams, Non-Executive Chairman of the Management Board of Domtar. "Domtar has a long history of excellence in sustainability. We said we would maintain the highest levels of environmental stewardship and sustainability performance, and today we're unveiling how we intend to deliver." Building on the company's long-established commitment to sustainability and important socioeconomic impact in its operating communities, the Strategy is organized around three central pillars, with 12 strategic objectives and associated performance targets for 2026 and 2030: Environmental Stewardship Domtar is committed to stewarding the planet's resources responsibly. The objectives and 2030 targets under this pillar include: Advance our commitment to sustainable forest management by increasing landowner engagement and establishing Domtar as a recognized collaborative partner in advancing the status of critical habitat for threatened species. Positively impact biodiversity by ensuring 100% of operations with risks in high-value areas have biodiversity action plans in place. Decarbonize our operations, products and value chain by being on track to meet the science-based greenhouse gas emission reduction target we plan to set by 2026. Improve the water resiliency of our manufacturing operations by ensuring 100% of our facilities have water-related risk mitigation plans in place. Our People and Communities Domtar supports our operating communities and employees. The objectives and 2030 targets under this pillar include: Enforce a proactive safety program and culture, aiming to achieve zero safety injuries. Foster relationships with Indigenous communities as a preferred partner through the implementation of our Indigenous partnership policy and internal engagement strategies. Enhance our community engagement program, including employee volunteerism, by achieving $20 million in community investments over five years and tracking and reporting volunteerism milestones. Strengthen the employee experience by establishing employee satisfaction milestones determined through engagement surveys as well as growth and development targets for 85% of potential successors and critical roles. Responsible Business Domtar upholds ethical and sustainable business practices and engages with our customers, business partners and stakeholders honestly and transparently. The objectives and 2030 targets under this pillar include: Ensure ethical and sustainable leadership practice by upholding our Global Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, Sustainability Policy and internationally recognized reporting standards. Drive sustainability through product, process and value chain innovation, ensuring a significant share of innovation-related investments support sustainability objectives compared to 2025. Safeguard the people in our value chain by conducting human rights assessments according to a global human rights policy aligned with international standards. Advance shared goals, enhance resilience and build mutual trust by increasing stakeholder trust levels compared to 2025 and meeting our 2030 sustainability targets. "Our objectives are ambitious and reflect a rigorous assessment of the standards and other guideposts that can help drive progress towards them," said Sabrina de Branco, Domtar's Global Chief Sustainability Officer. "We are also committing to the transparency stakeholders, rightsholders and partners will need to evaluate the outcomes firsthand." The strategy development process included extensive engagement across Domtar's stakeholder universe, including outreach to customers, operating communities, business partners and non-governmental organizations. The unique perspectives of Indigenous peoples were also sought out. Over 500 representatives provided input via survey and more than 85 individuals participated in interviews. The Strategy is also aligned with the UN's widely endorsed Sustainable Development Goals. Any further evolution of the Strategy and its objectives will be driven in part by this important global call to action. Strategy development was led by Domtar's Sustainability team and operational subject matter experts from across the company's business units with select external guidance. Implementation responsibilities, along with required investments and resource needs, have been thoroughly assessed to support successful execution. About Domtar Domtar is a leading, privately held manufacturer of diversified forest products, with a workforce of nearly 14,000 employees in more than 60 locations across North America. The company has an annual production capacity of 9.1 million metric tons of pulp, paper, packaging and tissue, and approximately 3 billion board feet of lumber and other wood products. Formerly known as the Paper Excellence Group, Domtar is comprised of legacy businesses Paper Excellence Canada Holdings Corporation, Domtar Corporation and Resolute Forest Products, and is owned by investor Jackson Wijaya. Domtar prides itself on operational excellence, delivering sustainable, high-quality and cost-effective products to meet and exceed customer needs globally. The company is committed to turning sustainable wood fiber into everyday essential products. For more information, visit
CBC
17-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
First Nation gets village site back from pulp company on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast
The Tla'amin First Nation and forestry giant Domtar have reached an agreement for the nation to reacquire a large portion of a historic village site along the B.C. Sunshine Coast. The First Nation and Domtar issued a joint statement saying the two sides took part in a ceremony to sign the agreement that was the result of years of work. The nation says the village, called tiskwat, holds both historical and current significance to its people. The agreement involves a large section of Domtar's former paper mill site in Powell River, B.C., and the nation says it plans to manage part of the land for cultural and environmental values, but will also develop some of it for industry. The Tla'amin says it wants to ensure the lands will also continue to create economic benefits for the broader community, while Domtar is selling other portions of the site for industrial development. John Hackett, the hegus or leader of the nation, says reconnecting with the site is "deeply emotional," as it was the original commercial hub of their territory and the centre of trade and prosperity for thousands of years. Richard Tremblay, the president of pulp and tissue at Domtar, says the company's process with the nation is important for its history.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tla'amin Nation and Domtar Celebrate Historic Land Agreement
Nation reacquires lands at the tiskwat paper mill site TLA'AMIN TERRITORY, BC and RICHMOND, BC, March 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Domtar (formerly Paper Excellence) and Tla'amin Nation have reached an historic agreement for the Nation to reacquire a substantial portion of the lands at the tiskwat paper mill site in Powell River, British Columbia. The two parties signed the agreement at a ceremony on Tla'amin Territory. tiskwat was a large and important village site that holds both historical and contemporary significance for the Tla'amin people. The agreement is the result of years of work and commitment by both parties who overcame initial apprehensions to develop trust and work together in the spirit of collaboration and cooperation. That work began with the renaming of the mill site in 2021 to tiskwat and continued in a mutually respectful way to reach today's agreement. The agreement honours both the historic significance and future potential of the lands. The reacquired lands primarily front the river and ocean and are among the least industrialized areas at tiskwat. Tla'amin Nation will manage portions of the land for cultural and environmental values while developing the more industrialized lands to spur regional economic growth. While a large portion of the former mill site will be acquired by the Tla'amin Nation, a segment of land will be sold by Domtar to one or more third parties that will engage in industrial redevelopment. This will ensure that these lands will also continue to create economic benefits for the broader community well into the future. Hegus John Hackett, Tla'amin Nation: "We want to thank our ancestors who never gave up on tiskwat. Your strength has guided our hands in this work. We also recognize Domtar's commitment to staying the course with us when negotiations got tough. Reconnecting with this place—once the original commercial hub of our territory, a center of trade and prosperity for thousands of years—is deeply emotional. We look forward to once again exercising our responsibilities to these lands." Richard Tremblay, President of Pulp and Tissue, Domtar: "Our journey with the Tla'amin Nation is an important one in the history of our company. The path we have walked together shows that when you take the time to build trusted relationships and get things right, the extraordinary becomes possible. We are proud of this agreement as a tangible demonstration of our commitment to a reconciliation-centered approach to engaging with Indigenous communities." Dillon Johnson, Executive Councillor, Tla'amin Nation: "tiskwat is a very special place that has sustained Tla'amin people since time immemorial and we always knew it would come back to us. Today's agreement marks a new chapter not only for Tla'amin but for the entire regional economy. We look to make the most of this opportunity for present and future generations to come." Lana Wilhelm, Director of Indigenous Relations, Domtar: "I raise my hands in deep respect for the Tla'amin Executive Council and their staff for their incredible work in negotiating this generational acquisition. Equally, I'm very proud to be working with colleagues and leadership at Domtar who had the integrity to do the right thing with this site. It has not been a journey without challenges, but what an inspiring one it is when everyone paddles in the same direction." Honourable Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Province of British Columbia: "Congratulations to the leadership of Tla'amin Nation and Domtar on this agreement, reached through complex and collaborative discussions, on the path forward for the tiskʷat site. As a partner in the Tla'amin Treaty and the yiχmɛtštəm tiskʷat (which translates to 'we are going to take care of tiskʷat') MOU, the Province recognizes tiskʷat as an important Tla'amin settlement site and is committed to further collaborative planning related to site acquisition, stewardship and economic development. This agreement is a positive example of reconciliation in action and ensures all parties can continue exploring a shared vision for the site, one which benefits the whole community." Honourable Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Province of British Columbia: "Today is about celebrating an important milestone and opportunity for the tiskʷat site, the Tla'amin Nation, Domtar and the entire community. The agreement represents a positive step forward for reconciliation. One which reaffirms and recognizes tiskʷat as the Tla'amin's ancestral home. Today's announcement is not just a welcome home for Tla'amin Nation. It's also an exciting new beginning for tiskʷat, the Tla'amin and the entire community." About Tla'amin Nation The Tla'amin Nation is a self-governing modern treaty nation with significant land holdings in the qathet region on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast. The Tla'amin Treaty with Canada and British Columbia came into force in 2016. Tla'amin people have occupied the region for millennia, stewarding the land and sea in accordance with Tla'amin law and respect for the natural world. To learn more, please visit About Domtar Domtar is a leading, privately held manufacturer of diversified forest products, with a workforce of about 14,000 employees in more than 60 locations across North America. The company has an annual production capacity of 9.1 million metric tons of pulp, paper, packaging and tissue, and approximately 3 billion board feet of lumber and other wood products. Formerly known as the Paper Excellence Group, Domtar is comprised of legacy businesses Paper Excellence, Domtar and Resolute Forest Products. Domtar prides itself on operational excellence, delivering sustainable, high-quality and cost-effective products to meet and exceed customer needs globally. The company is committed to turning sustainable wood fiber into everyday essential products. For more information, visit Images and video will be available here. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Domtar View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
