THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper says it’s ending newsprint production in a move that will affect up to 150 people.
The company says it will continue to operate as a single-line softwood kraft pulp mill and generate renewable energy for sale to the grid.
It says the decision to end its newsprint operations in the first quarter of this year comes after efforts to reposition itself within a declining newsprint market.
Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper chief executive Norm Bush says North American newsprint demand has fallen by 40 per cent since 2022 when Atlas Holdings purchased the company.
Bush says the drop in demand is the most insurmountable factor in the decision to cease newsprint production in Thunder Bay.
The company says it is working with local unions and all levels of government to ensure affected employees have access to employment transition supports, retraining programs and other necessary resources.
Unifor said in a news release late Thursday afternoon that it is urging the company to take all possible measures to mitigate job losses.
“This is a blow to the dedicated workers and to community supported by these jobs,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“Not only will this affect the workers at the pulp and paper mill but local businesses and partners in the area that rely on the operations and the incomes from those good-union jobs.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 22, 2026.
