360 workers idle as Témiscaming mill shuts down amid trade dispute

RYAM, the American owner of the paper mill in Témiscaming, Quebec, halted operations at the facility in early October. The company declared an economic shutdown for an indefinite period. Most of the mill's 360 employees are currently out of work. Government tariff-relief programs provide them with partial pay for the moment.

The mill serves as the primary employer and economic anchor for the town, which was built over a century ago around the facility and the surrounding forests. It produces paperboard for frozen-food packaging and scratch-off lottery tickets. Approximately 75% of its production was sent to the United States before the trade dispute began. The shutdown has caused property values in Témiscaming to fall sharply. For Sale signs now appear in the yards of modest middle-class homes across the community.

The closure follows a breakdown in trade talks between Canada and the United States. In August, the U.S. imposed 50% duties on roughly C$28 billion of Canadian goods. These goods include wood and paper products. Canada responded with dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs. While the national unemployment rate has remained steady at around 6.5%, specific industries such as lumber, pulp, and paper have experienced deep pain. A local contractor reported laying off 13 workers due to the pressure on the forestry sector.

Residents of Témiscaming are mobilizing to purchase the plant from RYAM. This mirrors a 1973 effort when local workers and managers bought the mill from its then-American owner. That group formed Tembec, a Quebec-owned company with international branches. Stéphane Lefebvre, a union leader and mill employee, leads the current coalition. He stated that the group needs substantial help from Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Quebec government. Support could take the form of tariff relief or direct financial assistance. Lefebvre noted that the mill is essential to the town's survival, comparing the current situation to a ghost town if the plant does not reopen.

Mayor Alain Gauthier attributed the decision to U.S. tariffs, which he described as a bomb for Canadian manufacturing. He argued that Ottawa should retaliate by imposing duties on board products entering Canada from the U.S. He criticized the federal response, stating that while politicians speak of economic war, they are using water guns to fight back. The mayor said he does not blame RYAM for its business decision. In an email, RYAM stated it would not comment on a potential sale or prospective buyers.

Sébastien Lemire, the Bloc Québécois member of parliament for Témiscaming, expressed concern over what he called inaction from the Carney government. He highlighted the lack of specific support for the forestry industry compared to other sectors. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced nearly C$9 billion to assist Ontario's steel and auto sectors last week. A spokesperson for Minister Joly said the government has made $400 million available to support forestry in rural and remote areas. The spokesperson added that the government is actively working with all parties to find a viable solution for the Témiscaming company.

Frank Dottori, a retired mill engineer in his 80s, organized the 1973 employee buyout. He recalled being politely ejected by the Quebec premier at that time. He advised the new group of workers to find someone with forceful charisma to lead the effort. He said the tariffs must be lifted to restore the mill's long-term economic viability. Many workers hope the upcoming U.S. midterm elections will pressure President Donald Trump to ease tariffs. Polls show his approval ratings have fallen among Americans. Suley, a resident planning to go moose hunting, said Americans care about the situation because it affects them too. She described the U.S. tariffs as a personal attack on the town.

Some U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods were lifted last week after lobbying from Maine Senator Susan Collins. These changes do not apply to the products made at the Témiscaming mill. Workers fear that sub-zero winter temperatures could freeze equipment at the idle plant, causing damage that would make reopening more difficult. Lefebvre remains committed to the local ownership bid regardless of the timeline. He compared the current effort to a sports final, stating they will play until the last whistle. The coalition continues to organize while waiting for a resolution from federal and provincial leaders.