Environmental organization Greenpeace is urging for increased transparency from Canada’s leading pulp and paper company, stating that the company has received substantial government funding without disclosing how the funds are utilized or sharing its forest management plans. According to Greenpeace’s recent report titled “Paper Trail to Nowhere,” Domtar, formerly known as Paper Excellence, has received $200 million in government funding from federal and provincial sources across Canada between 2020 and 2024. The report also questions Domtar’s lobbying activities.
The report highlights the lack of public accountability in Domtar’s utilization of Canadian public funds and its expanding control over forests nationwide. Domtar spokesperson Seth Kursman asserts that the company complies with lobbying regulations in all jurisdictions of operation, emphasizing adherence to legal requirements.
Greenpeace is advocating for future government funding to Domtar to be contingent on conditions promoting environmental conservation, Indigenous rights, and public accountability. The group is requesting company owner Jackson Wijaya to testify before the House of Commons committee on natural resources concerning the company’s ownership, governance structure, long-term objectives, and potential impacts on Canada’s forests and the forest industry.
Despite past motions for Wijaya to appear before the committee, subsequent parliamentary events have hindered the testimony process. Domtar emphasizes its willingness to engage with stakeholders towards sustainable forestry practices and forest management.
Greenpeace’s scrutiny of Domtar follows the company’s acquisition of Paper Excellence and Resolute Forest Products, solidifying its position as Canada’s largest pulp and paper entity. The report notes that Domtar now oversees 22 million hectares of forests in Canada, representing nearly 10% of managed forest land in the country.
The report also references previous investigations into Paper Excellence’s ties to Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) and the company’s environmental history. Domtar affirms its independence from APP, stressing separate governance structures.
Greenpeace’s examination of Domtar’s lobbying efforts reveals a significant engagement with federal and provincial officials, particularly in British Columbia. The report underscores the company’s receipt of government funding, environmental violations, and mill closures, prompting calls for enhanced transparency and accountability from Domtar.
Despite facing challenges in the lumber market, Domtar emphasizes collaboration with governments on innovative projects and job retention efforts. The company asserts its commitment to returning government funds for unsuccessful initiatives, underscoring its dedication to responsible business practices.