Canadian Coalition Seeks to Acquire RYAM’s Témiscaming Mill

A Canadian coalition comprising local managers at RYAM’s Témiscaming mill, unionized workers and First Nations is seeking to purchase the facility, aiming to secure its future operations and protect jobs in the region.

The initiative seeks to bring together stakeholders with a direct interest in the mill’s future to develop a locally driven solution and explore the requirements for restarting operations, according to statements from Unifor, the union supporting the effort.

“The future of our mills should not be decided far from the communities that keep them running. This initiative offers a path to Canadian ownership, with local partners who have a direct stake in the company’s long-term success. Unifor supports this effort,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier said the mill plays an important role in the province’s forest-processing sector, supporting skilled employment, specialized expertise and a network of suppliers.

Quebec needs its processing mills to capture the full value of its forest resources, Cloutier said, adding that the initiative is intended to support the economic future of regional communities.

The proposed acquisition also recalls a previous ownership transition in Témiscaming. In 1973, following Canadian International Paper’s closure of the mill the previous year, workers, former managers and community members joined forces to purchase and reopen the facility under the Tembec name.

More than five decades later, the new coalition is seeking to unite local partners to secure the mill’s future.

Stéphane Lefebvre, president of Unifor Local 233, said workers’ experience should help shape a plan to restart operations and preserve opportunities for future generations in Témiscaming.

“There is still work ahead, but we are ready to do our part,” Lefebvre said.

The coalition’s partners said they would provide further details on next steps as discussions progress.