Nipissing-Timiskaming MP says priority is on impacted RYAM employees
MP Pauline Rochefort says the impending RYAM closure is very difficult news for employees and their families, including the many workers who live in Nipissing–Timiskaming and travel to Quebec for work.
However, she says she’s encouraged to hear the company characterize the shutdown as temporary and has committed to continuing to work closely with all stakeholders to identify solutions that could allow operations to resume.
On Wednesday, RYAM announced 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.
Rochefort says their immediate priority is the employees and ensuring they know the supports that are available.
“The Government of Canada has enhanced supports for workers affected by tariffs and global trade disruptions, including temporary Employment Insurance measures that waive the one-week waiting period, allowing eligible workers to receive EI without first exhausting separation payments, and provide additional weeks of benefits for eligible long-tenured workers,” she says.
Rochefort says Service Canada is the primary point of contact, adding her constituency offices are also available to help workers understand the federal supports available and navigate the appropriate programs.
“Workers are encouraged to apply for EI as soon as they stop working, even if their Record of Employment has not yet been issued,” she says.
They can apply at a Service Canada Centre or online: Employment Insurance — information and application:
Service Canada — Employment Insurance regular benefits
Details regarding Temporary enhanced EI measures:
Service Canada — Temporary EI measures
Affected workers may also be eligible for employment and retraining assistance through the federally funded Workforce Tariff Response, including the Canada–Ontario Workforce Tariff Response for Ontario residents: 2025–2026 Summary of the annual plan for Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response
Rochefort says her constituency offices are also available to help workers understand the federal supports available and navigate the appropriate programs.
“This situation is a reminder that tariffs have real consequences for workers and communities on both sides of the border,” she says. “RYAM is a U.S.-based company with an important Canadian operation, and its temporary shutdown demonstrates how deeply integrated our economies remain. Our priority is to stand behind Canadian workers while continuing to build a stronger and more resilient Canadian economy.”
The company says while the exact number of employees impacted is not yet known, because of different waves, it will be less than 400.
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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.
