A temporary shutdown has been announced for Quesnel River Pulp.
Millar Western Forest Products, the company that owns the mill, said in a letter that went out to employees on August 10 that it will be curtailing operations at the end of the day shift on September 4, 2026.
The company says that, at this moment, they plan to resume operations on the day shift on November 1, 2026. However, the company says the curtailment could be extended if market conditions remain unfavorable.
Millar Western says ongoing market challenges and the application of significant tariffs on Chinese exports have led to this decision.
It says these factors have led to a period of sustained weakened demand, poor pricing, and reduced order volumes.
“We understand that this announcement brings a lot of uncertainty, and we will continue to monitor the market closely and provide further updates in the days ahead,” said Karl Meyers, the Executive Chair of Millar Western, in the letter sent to employees.
In its letter to its employees, Millar Western says that employees can use their earned vacation, vacation pay, and personal floaters to offset the reduction in hours of work. The company also says that the health and welfare benefits for employees will remain in place throughout “the temporary layoff”.
Millar Western says that employees will receive notice within seven days before a recall to work, when it the company decides if it will reopen.
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