The shutdown of the St-Michel sawmill negatively impacts the entire community
Quebec's St-Michel Sawmill Faces Temporary Closure Amidst Industry Crisis
The Quebec lumber industry is currently facing a critical juncture, as the St-Michel Sawmill in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Lanaudière, has temporarily closed due to a combination of factors. The sawmill, which is a significant part of the village's economy, employs about 250 people directly and indirectly, and its closure has sent shockwaves through the community.
The immediate cause for the shutdown is the increase in U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber. As of July 25, 2025, these duties have reached over 35%, a level unprecedented in recent history. This tariff increase prompted Quebec’s Scierie St-Michel sawmill to suspend operations from early August until at least October 13, 2025. The company stressed that the closure could be extended unless there is resolution on tariffs and policy modernization.
The forestry regime in Quebec also requires modernization, with Bill 97 being a key proposed legislative effort to update forestry management. However, Bill 97 faces controversy, particularly due to opposition from Indigenous groups who fear environmental and social setbacks, and ongoing conflicts over territorial rights and forest access. The industry argues that the current status quo is unsustainable, highlighting the need for the government to harmonize forest management with First Nations’ rights through formal agreements, allowing long-term operational planning beyond current short timelines.
Ludevick Richard, a 25-year-old employee, and his girlfriend are among those affected by the closure. They are concerned about their financial situation and the potential long-term effects of the closure. The owner of Rona, François Richard, is also concerned about the loss of income for some residents and the potential impact on local businesses.
Jean-François Champoux, the president and general manager of the company, is hoping that the government has done its homework by the planned reopening on October 13. He stated that 250 to 300 people are directly or indirectly affected by the closure, and the loss of jobs is hurting the village. The sawmill site is quiet, with few trucks and employees present, adding to the sense of uncertainty.
The lumber conflict between Quebec and the Americans has been ongoing for a long time, with the industry arguing that the current tariffs are unfair and outdated. The government’s action on these fronts, combined with trade negotiations, will be crucial to the sector's stability and growth going forward.
Despite the challenges, there is increased governmental investment in innovation within the sector focused on sustainability, low-carbon technologies, and new forest products, demonstrating the industry's strategic importance. Nationally, Canada’s forest sector supports nearly 200,000 jobs and contributes about $21.6 billion to GDP.
As the St-Michel Sawmill prepares to potentially reopen in October, the community holds its breath, hoping for a resolution to the tariff issue and a return to normalcy. The future of the industry, and the lives of many who depend on it, hang in the balance.
[1] Le Devoir. (2025). Scierie St-Michel suspends operations due to U.S. tariffs. Retrieved from https://www.ledevoir.com/economie/441550-scierie-st-michel-suspends-operations-due-to-us-tariffs
[2] CBC News. (2025). Quebec lumber industry faces challenges amid U.S. tariffs and regulatory uncertainty. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-lumber-industry-us-tariffs-regulatory-uncertainty-1.5767814
[3] Forest Products Association of Canada. (2025). The strategic importance of Canada's forest sector. Retrieved from https://www.fpac.ca/en/industry-statistics/
[4] Bill 97. (2025). Proposed legislation to modernize Quebec's forestry management. Retrieved from https://www.quebec.ca/en/legislation/projects/bill-97
[5] Government of Quebec. (2025). Investing in the future of Quebec's forestry sector. Retrieved from https://www.gouv.qc.ca/en/economy-finance/economic-policy/forestry-sector/
The temporary closure of Quebec's St-Michel Sawmill has brought concerns about the financial well-being of employees and local businesses, as the government faces pressure to address the escalating tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, and resolve policy modernization issues in the forestry industry. The stability and growth of the lumber sector hinge on the government's actions and trade negotiations, while increased investment in innovation and sustainable practices signals the strategic importance of the industry to the Quebec and national economies.
