Local bid in the works to purchase RYAM’s Que. mill A coalition says it’s organizing local managers, workers and First Nations to purchase RYAM’s Témiscaming, Que., mill. Organizers said in a news release Friday the group hopes to secure the future of the mill’s operations and protect the jobs that support families across the region. “By bringing together people with a direct stake in the mill’s future, the coalition aims to develop a locally driven solution and explore what is needed to restart operations,” said a news release Oct 9. On Oct. 5, the mill’s parent company began suspending operations, citing the impact of U.S. tariffs on lumber products. The coalition aims to keep the mill open. “This initiative offers a path to Canadian ownership, with local partners who have a direct stake in the company’s long-term success,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “In Témiscaming, skilled jobs, valuable expertise and an entire network of suppliers are at stake,” said Unifor Quebec director Daniel Cloutier. In 1973, after Canadian International Paper closed the mill the previous year, workers, former managers and community members came together to purchase and reopen it under the Tembec name. More than 50 years later, a new coalition is seeking to bring local partners together once again to secure the mill’s future. “Our members know this mill and want to keep working here,” said Unifor Local 233 president Stéphane Lefebvre. The coalition’s partners said further details on the initiative’s next steps will be released as discussions progress.
