Good day.
We also have some concerns about obligations being fulfilled towards the retired employees of Resolute Forest Products. Nearly 4,000 former employees of Resolute Forest Products are currently members of a defined benefit pension plan. Although that fund is no longer taking on new members since it was replaced by a target benefit plan, its sustainability must remain a priority. In the past, we've witnessed transfer-of-responsibility strategies following similar acquisition processes in the forestry sector. We believe that Paper Excellence should formally commit to respecting the obligations arising from this plan and refrain from any type of maneuver likely to reduce the scope of its obligations.
The plan is currently 88% funded and has a solvency ratio of 67%. Ending the plan would have disastrous consequences for members. Transparency with regard to a business plan and the development of the forestry sector is also important. Given its dominant position in the Quebec forest industry and its tangible impact on independent complementary chains, we believe that Paper Excellence must demonstrate more transparency with the relevant authorities about its short-, medium- and long-term intentions.
Workers are very worried. There have been several production shutdowns. Come July, we will have been closed for a total of five weeks since the beginning of the year in Kénogami. There is also talk of a ceiling on kraft pulp exports. The Asian market's demand for quality fibre is high and on the rise. The challenges posed by the loss of access to the resource in certain regions, like the western provinces, where there is a decline in forestry potential, are prompting a shift in investment and a hearty appetite for reliable supply.
In this respect, the forests of eastern Canada are a prime resource. If Paper Excellence were to decide to maximize kraft pulp exports to Asian markets, we believe the results would not be advantageous to Quebec's forest communities or to the processing capabilities of the Canadian economy as a whole. We believe that these exchanges are necessary in order to limit the export capacity of such a major player.
Resolute Forest Products has set up a very interesting and promising plan in our region of Kénogami to produce cellulose pulp. Will we still have enough kraft pulp to produce it, or will kraft pulp be exported? We have a lot of concerns.