In a news release today Tolko President and CEO, Brad Thorlakson said “Over the 19 years we have been in the community, a great deal of work has been done, both internally and externally, to improve the mill’s competitive position. Unfortunately, despite years of continued effort to improve the cost structure and business results of the operations, the business is not financially sustainable. This is a business decision that is in the best long-term interest of the company and our employees.” Jim Baskerville, Vice President of OSB and Kraft Papers added that employees have been informed of the decision and were sent transition packages. The Vernon, B.C.-based company employees 332 people in Manitoba. Tolko took over Manitoba Kraft Paper and Sawmill Operations in 1997.

Our Member of Parliament Niki Ashton and The Pas MLA Amanda Lathlin have called on the federal and provincial governments to take action to protect jobs and the economy of the community.