Key Takeaways
- Domtar, the largest pulp and paper company in Canada, has received over $200 million in public funding between 2020 and 2024.
- The company has expanded its corporate control over the forestry industry with limited transparency and accountability.
- Domtar’s operations cover 22 million hectares of forest across Canada, approximately 10% of all managed forest land.
- The company has a complex ownership structure, including links to Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) and the Sinar Mas Group, which have documented environmental and human rights violations.
- Greenpeace Canada is calling for increased transparency and accountability in the forestry industry, particularly with regards to public funding and corporate governance.
Introduction to the Issue
The forestry industry in Canada is a significant sector, with many companies operating across the country. However, a recent investigative report by Greenpeace Canada has raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the industry, particularly with regards to public funding. The report focuses on Domtar, the largest pulp and paper company in Canada, which has received significant amounts of public funding while expanding its corporate control over the forestry industry. Domtar’s operations cover 22 million hectares of forest across Canada, approximately 10% of all managed forest land. This significant presence in the industry raises questions about the company’s impact on the environment and local communities.
Background on Domtar and Its Operations
Domtar, formerly known as Paper Excellence, has a complex ownership structure that includes links to Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) and the Sinar Mas Group. These companies have a documented track record of environmental and human rights violations, which raises concerns about Domtar’s operations in Canada. The company has been the subject of previous investigations by Greenpeace Canada and partner organizations, which exposed its opaque corporate governance structure and lack of transparency. Despite these concerns, Domtar has continued to receive public funding, with over $200 million in funds received between 2020 and 2024. This funding has been provided by both federal and provincial governments, with little oversight or accountability.
Investigation and Findings
The Greenpeace Canada report is based on an analysis of publicly available federal and provincial corporate lobbying registrations, documents, and other official filings in Canada between 2020 and 2024. The report identifies the communications, targets, and registrations disclosed by Domtar lobbyists and calculates the total amount of public funding received by the company. The findings are troubling, with a lack of transparency and accountability in the forestry industry. The report also raises questions about the viability of investments in the industry, particularly given the scale of mill closures. In December 2025, Domtar announced the closure of its Crofton mill in British Columbia, affecting 350 employees. This closure, combined with others, raises concerns about the future of the forestry industry in Canada and the impact on local communities.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Greenpeace Canada is calling for increased transparency and accountability in the forestry industry, particularly with regards to public funding and corporate governance. The organization believes that Canadians have a right to know who controls the country’s largest forestry company and what that control means for the future of the forests and forest-dependent communities. Sien Van den broeke, Nature & Biodiversity Campaigner at Greenpeace Canada, stated, "More than $200 million in public funds flowed to Domtar between 2020 and 2024, yet its sole owner, Jackson Wijaya, has still not appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources — even after being formally requested to do so." This lack of transparency and accountability is a concern, and Greenpeace Canada is advocating for changes to ensure that the forestry industry is operating in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the Greenpeace Canada report highlights the need for increased transparency and accountability in the forestry industry, particularly with regards to public funding and corporate governance. The report’s findings are troubling, and the organization is calling for changes to ensure that the industry is operating in a responsible and sustainable manner. Sheila Sampath, Co-head of Program (Nature and Biodiversity) at Greenpeace Canada, stated, "Protecting nature means protecting the relationships between forests, people, and future generations. If companies benefiting from public funds are allowed to operate behind opaque corporate structures, trust erodes and biodiversity pays the price." The report’s recommendations include increased transparency and accountability in the forestry industry, as well as a review of public funding to ensure that it is being used in a responsible and sustainable manner. By implementing these changes, Canada can ensure that its forestry industry is operating in a way that benefits both the environment and local communities.