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VICTORIA – Increased tariffs and the deterioration of Canada-US trade relations prompted the BC government to protect the pensions of retirees and workers at three pulp mills Catalyst Paper, said Friday John Horgan. is not aware of any closure or imminent sale to the Catalyst pulp mills in Powell River, Port Alberni or Crofton, but the government has reacted to the sale of its forest companies to the states Last month and the prospect of higher prices. later this summer.
"It was a preventative step," he said. "We continue to work with Catalyst to try to find solutions to their operating problems as well as to the commercial issues raised by the United States. Today, we want to make sure that pensioners are aware and that workers know that the government understands they have an obligation to their present and past workers.
Catalyst and the former province of British Columbia The Liberal government agreed in 2012 to give the company 16 years to repay the funding deficits of the pension plans. Employee unions have also agreed to make concessions to the Port Alberni, Powell River and Crofton mills.
Horgan said that the government has changed the pension relief regulations so that Catalyst should immediately cover the lack of pension at a sale or closure, protect pensions by 1,000. retired and 1,500 workers.
Catalyst could not be contacted immediately to comment on pension changes. The company closed the sale of its US operations last month as part of a $ 175 million US deal.
A BC According to the Government, trade relations between the United States and Canada have deteriorated and provincial authorities now provide for 28% tariffs on Catalyst's paper products by August [19659007]. generate more than $ 2 billion in annual economic activity and make a significant contribution to the local economies of Vancouver Island, Powell River and Metro Vancouver.
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