Why Ottawa still needs paper, even in the digital age

Government paper use is down but departments keep ordering millions of sheets without a centralized system that keeps track of how much they use.

Stephen Chamberlain

31 Aug 2026 • 7 min read

Sustana's corporate operations manager, David Campagnolo, stands in front of a wall of bound recycled paper wearing a yellow safety vest overtop of a black golf shirt. He wears glasses.

Sustana's corporate operations manager, David Campagnolo, stands in front of a wall of bound recycled paper. (The IJF / Stephen Chamberlain)

Stephen Chamberlain

Stephen Chamberlain, a Toronto-based journalist, has an interest in civic engagement, federal procurement and public accountability. He is currently a reporter intern with the IJF.

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