Approximately 239 employees will be impacted as a result of a decision by Resolute Forest Products.
The company intents to idle indefinitely the kraft mill and paper machine number 5 at its Fort Frances mill.
The company expects to curtail operations by the end of this month, blaming market conditions.
Resolute is holding out the possibility of a restart at a later date.
It says it's exploring alternative product possibilities and will idle the mills in a way that protects the equipment.
Avis says company officials delivered the news to him earlier yesterday afternoon.
He's is remaining optomistic.
Avis says company officials did tell him that they're are planning to conduct studies on possible uses of the shuttered paper machine which will take at least 12 to 18 months to complete.
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty calls the news devasting for the worker effected and their families.
Rafferty also spoke with company representatives and says he's received assurances the company is committed to helping affected workers during this layoff period.
