RYAM AND U.S. TARIFFS. THE WORK CONTINUES.
Since the announcement concerning RYAM, I remain committed to ensuring that Temiscaming's voice continues to be heard.
Over the weekend, discussions took place with representatives of the Government of Quebec. A line of communication has also now been established with the office of the federal Minister of Industry, Mélanie Joly.
As you can see, we are all working around the clock on this situation.
Discussions will therefore continue over the coming days.
At the federal level, which holds 80% of the available levers, we are asking that the new product and new market development projects already underway at the Temiscaming mill be considered under existing federal programs and benefit from direct, non-repayable financial assistance, as provided for under these programs.
We are also asking the federal government to directly reinvest, on a monthly basis and not in the form of loans, the funds it is collecting through Canadian tariffs and counter-tariffs. This is a war, and it requires wartime measures.
We are asking the Government of Quebec to develop new non-repayable assistance measures, taking into consideration the costs it would avoid if RYAM employees remained at work and the mill remained in operation.
An entire community is affected.
As I have mentioned over the past few days, the Temiscamingue region has many strengths: significant and diverse forest resources, recognized industrial expertise, existing infrastructure, and synergies among our businesses that form this ecosystem.
We have also been working in collaboration with First Nations for many years. They are part of this ecosystem with us and we are all pushing in the same direction.
This is the message I will continue to bring to Quebec City and Ottawa.
The coming days will be important and the work continues.
As you can see, in these early days, my focus remains on preventing the closure. When governments ask how they can help our town, that is my request. I do not want to give false hope, but we must aim high.
I will keep you informed of the next steps as our efforts move forward.
Our voice is being heard. Let's keep making it heard.
Alain Gauthier
Mayor of Temiscaming
