US tariffs threaten century-old Quebec paper mill, hundreds of jobs

The closure of the mill marks a significant blow to Témiscaming, a town in northwestern Quebec where the facility has operated for over 100 years. The suspension came after the United States imposed a 50 percent tariff on products from the mill, making exports to the American market economically unviable and forcing the operator to halt production.

The indefinite shutdown has displaced hundreds of workers from the facility, which has long served as a cornerstone employer in the region. Local residents and municipal leaders are mobilizing efforts to preserve the mill and secure the livelihoods of affected employees, recognizing the potential cascade effect the closure could have on the broader community.

The tariff action reflects escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada, with manufacturing sectors particularly vulnerable to the policy shifts. Paper and forestry products represent a significant portion of Canadian exports to the US market, and similar tariff measures could impact other facilities across the country.

Community stakeholders are exploring potential remedies, including diplomatic engagement and discussions with provincial and federal authorities, as they seek to reverse the tariff decision or identify alternative markets for the mill's output. The outcome will likely depend on broader trade negotiations between Ottawa and Washington in coming weeks.