Témiscaming residents plan to buy back paper mill after US tariffs

A group of residents in Témiscaming, Quebec, is mobilizing to purchase the town's paper mill from its American owner, RYAM. The mill sits idle after US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs that made production unprofitable. The local buyout effort follows a similar successful takeover in 1973, when workers bought the plant and turned it into the Quebec-owned company Tembec.

RYAM declared an economic shutdown in early October for an indefinite period. The decision left most of the plant's 360 employees out of work. They currently receive partial pay through government tariff-relief measures. The mill produces paperboard used for frozen-food packaging and scratch-off lottery tickets, with roughly 75% of its output sent to the United States.

The shutdown has already affected the local economy. Property values dropped, and 'For Sale' signs now appear on modest homes across the town. Ronnie Raymond, a descendant of mill workers, warned that the community could become a ghost town if the mill does not reopen. Essential services, including a local hospital and grocery stores, also face potential staff cuts.

Stéphane Lefebvre, a union leader, stated that the local group needs financial support from Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Quebec government. He noted that the national economy has remained stable with a 6.5% unemployment rate, but specific sectors like forestry are suffering. A spokesperson for Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said the government has made $400 million available for rural forestry and is working with all parties to find a solution.

Frank Dottori, a retired engineer who helped organize the 1973 buyout, advised the new group to find a leader with strong charisma. He emphasized that lifting US tariffs is imperative for the mill's long-term viability. Dottori recalled being politely ejected by a premier during the previous attempt, but noted the workers eventually succeeded with union support.

Mayor Alain Gauthier called US tariffs a bomb for Canadian manufacturing and wants Ottawa to retaliate with duties on American board products. He criticized the current response as weak, comparing it to fighting with water guns. Some workers are watching the US midterm elections for potential political pressure, though recent tariff relief for some Canadian goods does not apply to Témiscaming's products.

Residents hope to resolve the issue before winter arrives. Sub-zero temperatures could freeze equipment at the idle plant, making reopening more difficult. Lefebvre said the group is committed to the effort regardless of the outcome, describing the situation as a final, decisive moment for the town.