Apr 28, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. Catalyst Paper posted a net loss of $12.9 million on sales of $303.6 million in the 1Q 2011, reflecting a post-holiday season plateau in paper markets. Sales revenues were negatively impacted by the above-par Canadian dollar; however a foreign exchange gain was recorded on the translation of U.S. dollar denominated debt. In the previous quarter, net earnings of $9.6 million were recorded on sales of $333.6 million. “Despite the normal seasonal slump in this early part of the year, quarter-to-quarter prices improved for most paper grades, and pulp markets were strong after a brief falter in late 2010,” said President and CEO Kevin J. Clarke. “It wasn’t enough to balance the impact of an above-par Canadian dollar and inflationary cost pressures on our Q1 results. However, our order book is strong as we head into the second quarter and we continue to look to grow share in our key product lines in the balance of the year. On the operations side, full mill shutdowns for planned maintenance at our Powell River and Snowflake mills will have an impact on our production volumes in the second quarter.” Catalyst Paper manufactures diverse specialty mechanical printing papers, newsprint and pulp. With four mills, located in British Columbia and Arizona, Catalyst has a combined annual production capacity of 1.9 million tonnes.