The former Tembec plan, now known as Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM) is closing its industrial complex in Témiscaming. The closure is expected to take place Sept. 15 and will impact 400 unionized workers. The news was delivered to RYAM employees Wednesday, sending shockwaves and panic throughout the small French community. “The community is panicking right now because we don’t know much,” said Carole Lambert. RYAM is one of the region’s largest employers. “…The forestry industry is now on life support, and all of this is entirely the work of you-know-who,” a local podcaster posted on his social media profiles. Daniel Cloutier, Quebec director of the Unifor union told various media outlets about 400 unionized workers will lose their jobs, as well as, managers and related employees. …“They’re not wrong that they will be affected by tariffs. However, we know that this plant has been put in a precarious position for several years,” Cloutier stated. 

• In related coverage: RYAM shutdown demonstrates “real” consequences of U.S. tariffs