Newfoundland & Labrador to invest C$4.3M over three years in Corner Brook Pulp and Paper to help provide 450 employees with training to support mill's operations, global competitiveness

Kendall Sinclair

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland , May 2, 2011 (press release) – Through a Provincial Government investment of $4.3 million over three years, 450 Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited employees will receive enhanced training to improve the mill’s competitiveness in the global market.

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and MHA for Humber East, made the announcement today along with representatives from the Corner Brook mill.

“Corner Brook Pulp and Paper is one of the most recognizable and long-standing employers on the west coast of the province,” said Minister King. “The Provincial Government is proud to support the company’s efforts to better align its workforce to meet the ever-changing global marketplace. This project will also ensure long-term sustainability of jobs in the Corner Brook region.”

Due to the severe decline in newsprint consumption globally, the mill has had to make adjustments to its operations in recent years.

“The sustainability of the Corner Brook Pulp and Paper mill depends on making its two remaining newsprint machines operate at world class efficiencies and cost structure,” said Minister Marshall. “This funding will ensure that employees at the mill receive training to better align the workforce to provide the output the mill requires to be sustainable and profitable in the future.”

“We are grateful to the Provincial Government for supporting our efforts to invest in employee training,” said Stéphane Rousseau, Vice President and General Manager, Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited. “Not only will it have a positive impact on our competitiveness, but our employees will benefit from expanding their long-term employability.”

Over a period of three years, approximately 450 employees across all departments and job categories will undertake a wide range of training that will support the mill’s operations. It will be completed in four blocks and will cover technological knowledge, mechanical skills, information technology training, as well as management skills.

The Provincial Government funding announced today is in addition to an investment which will also be made by Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited.

“This project engages, mobilizes and invests in the company’s human resources to enhance its competitiveness in the global market,” said Minister King. “Our government recognizes that the Corner Brook Pulp and Paper mill is extremely important to the Western Newfoundland economy, and we are confident that through this investment it will remain sustainable well into the future.”

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