Should Catalyst Paper move to China?

With word spreading that Catalyst Paper might be making a move to relocate to Yangcheng, China from Vancouver Island, many people are wondering if it is just a ploy by the company to re-open tax rate discussions with Port Alberni.

Port Alberni Mayor Ken MacRae is firmly planting himself on the "political ploy" side of story.

Lyn Brown, vice-president of corporate relations for Catalyst Paper, said, "As we've repeatedly made clear to the mayor of Port Alberni, the level of industrial property taxes that Catalyst is being charged at Port Alberni is one of the issues that endangers the continued operation of the Port Alberni mill."

280 people are employed by Catalyst Paper in Port Alberni. The British Columbia Supreme Court recently ruled against Catalyst Paper over a $3.7 million property tax bill.

Read more:

Catalyst mum on China move - Company spokesman denies offer is a political ploy in dispute (Times Colonist)