Greenpeace, an environmental organization, is urging for increased transparency from Canada’s largest pulp and paper company. The group claims that Domtar, previously known as Paper Excellence, has received $200 million in government funding between 2020 and 2024 without adequately disclosing how the funds are utilized or outlining future forest plans for Canada.
In a recently published report titled “Paper Trail to Nowhere,” Greenpeace questions Domtar’s accountability regarding the substantial public funds it has received and its expanding control over forests nationwide. The report emphasizes the lack of transparency in Domtar’s corporate structure, which hinders understanding its long-term intentions and impacts on Canadian forests and the forest industry.
Domtar’s spokesperson, Seth Kursman, asserts that the company complies with lobbying regulations in all jurisdictions where it operates, emphasizing adherence to legal requirements and ethical standards.
Greenpeace is advocating for future government funding to come with stringent conditions focusing on environmental protection, Indigenous rights, and public accountability. The group calls for clarity on funding objectives, performance indicators, and mechanisms for public oversight.
Furthermore, Greenpeace is urging Jackson Wijaya, the owner of Domtar, to testify before the House of Commons committee on natural resources to address concerns about the company’s ownership, governance structure, and forest management strategies.
Despite past motions for Wijaya to appear before the committee, subsequent proceedings were halted due to parliamentary activities. Domtar expresses willingness for Wijaya’s testimony and highlights its commitment to sustainable forestry practices and collaborative stakeholder engagement following the resolution of legal disputes with Greenpeace.
Greenpeace’s report sheds light on the company’s lobbying efforts, indicating a higher frequency of interactions with federal officials and MPs compared to industry associations. While lobbying is legal, the report underscores the need for transparency in corporate engagements with government officials.
The report also highlights Domtar’s receipt of substantial government funding, primarily from provincial sources, with British Columbia being a significant contributor. Greenpeace raises concerns about the company’s operational footprint despite government investments, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and transparency in disclosing the use of public funds.
In response, Domtar acknowledges the challenges faced in the lumber market, attributing government funding to support job retention and innovative projects. The company emphasizes its commitment to returning funds if projects are unsuccessful, underscoring its collaborative approach with governments to navigate industry challenges.