By Nigel Maxwell

Future of pulp mill remains uncertain

Nov 16, 2010 | 9:05 AM

There are some fresh questions regarding the future of the shuttered Prince Albert pulp mill.

Last weekend former mill workers were shown a tentative agreement with Paper Excellence, a Netherlands-based company. The union president said they voted overwhelmingly in support of the five-year agreement.

A spokesperson with Paper Excellence has said they are in discussions to purchase the mill.

Yet, the company that owns the mill is denying that claim.

“What I can tell you is Domtar is not in discussions with Paper Excellence, either directly or indirectly,” said Bonny Skene, Domtar's regional public affairs officer.

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When asked why Paper Excellence might suggest they are talking of purchasing the mill, Skene said she didn’t know.

“I know we are not in discussions with them either directly or indirectly and our objective in discussions with the province is the re-purposing of the mill for something other than pulp,” said Skene.

“I think Domtar is a tough negotiator, there is no question about that,” said Bill Boyd, minister of energy and resources.

The government is not ruling out a sale, or using the mill for another prupose.

“We can help facilitate discussions, we have reason to be optimistic,” said Boyd.

Boyd said the government will continue its discussions with Domtar in the hopes of reaching an outcome before the company begins to tear down the empty mill.

Skene said preliminary work continues towards the demolition of the mill.

No timeline has been given for that work.

nmaxwell@panow.com