FONOM says RYAM shutdown will have regional impacts
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is expressing concern after RYAM announced a temporary shutdown at its industrial complex in Témiscaming.
The company says the economic shutdown takes effect Sept. 15 and is due to the impact of new U.S. tariffs. The plant produces cellulose, pulp, and coated paperboard.
FONOM says although the facility is located in Quebec, it is a significant regional employer with strong economic connections to Northeastern Ontario.
“FONOM is deeply concerned for the workers facing uncertainty, their families and the entire community of Témiscaming,” says Dave Plourde, FONOM President. “These are highly skilled workers whose knowledge and experience are important to the forestry industry. We are also thinking about the contractors, suppliers, transportation companies and businesses throughout the region, including those in Ontario, that depend on this facility. A prolonged shutdown could have lasting consequences for the region’s forestry sector.”
The federation is calling on governments, industry, labour and regional partners to work together to support those affected and identify solutions that could allow the facility to resume operations.
“This announcement demonstrates the real consequences of unfair U.S. tariffs,” says Plourde. “Tariffs do not only affect corporate balance sheets. They affect workers, families, local businesses and the long-term future of forestry-dependent communities.”
RYAM says while the exact number of employees impacted is not yet known, because of different waves, it will be less than 400.
[RELATED] Temporary shutdown at RYAM in Témiscaming due to U.S. tariffs
Officials say the site’s wastewater treatment plant and Boiler No. 4 will continue to operate.
They add should the tariff situation evolve, they may reconsider the decision announced Wednesday.
Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
