A northern Ontario municipality is adding its voice to growing demands for the provincial government to fortify the region’s cornerstone industries as they brace for the impact of ongoing trade hostilities with the United States. Town council in Mattawa has unanimously passed a motion urging the province to introduce stronger protections for the steel and softwood lumber sectors. The move follows a similar resolution passed by the Township of Nairn & Hyman in early December, reflecting escalating anxiety among northern communities heavily reliant on these industries. Mattawa Mayor Raymond Belanger said the local economy remains deeply tied to forestry, making the threat of U.S. tariffs particularly acute. …Dave Plourde, president of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) and mayor of Kapuskasing, acknowledged the deep-seated frustration among northern communities that were built on the back of these resources. …The forestry and lumber industry provides approximately 128,000 jobs…