August 27 2026

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS

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Vol. 30, Issue 48, August 27, 2026

If it’s made or produced in the U.S.A. PUT IT BACK ON THE SHELF

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Fonom Statement On U.S. Tariffs And Canada–U.S. Trade Iroquois Falls – August 24, 2026 - The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (F O N O M) supports the Government of Canada’s decision to stand firm in defence of Canadian industries, businesses, workers, communities, and our national sovereignty following the imposition of the latest U.S. tariffs.

FONOM recognizes the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney, Minister Dominic LeBlanc, and Canada’s trade negotiating team. We also recognize the support provided by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Canada’s premiers as they work with the federal government through a Team Canada approach.

FONOM remains hopeful that Canada and the United States can eventually reach a fair, stable, and mutually beneficial agreement.

However, no deal is better than a bad deal that compromises Canadian jobs, industries, sovereignty, or our ability to make decisions in Canada’s best interests.

This is not the time for partisan politics.

FONOM calls on all federal political parties, provincial and territorial premiers, and Canadian political leaders to stand together in support of the Government of Canada’s position. A divided Canada would only weaken

our negotiating position. Our strength will come from speaking with one clear and united Canadian voice.

N o r th eas ter n O n tar io ’s f o r es tr y, mining, manufacturing, steel, transportation, and resource sectors are especially vulnerable to tariffs and prolonged trade uncertainty.

These industries support thousands of workers, families, Indigenous communities, municipalities, and businesses across the North. When a major employer reduces production or closes, the effects are felt throughout the entire community.

The federal government has already established tariff relief, worker assistance, financing, and industry-support programs.

FONOM urges the Government of Canada to ensure that these measures are delivered quickly and effectively, with particular attention given to forestry and resourcedependent communities. Programs must be accessible to Northern businesses and workers before temporary disruptions become permanent job losses or plant closures.

Canada must also continue expanding its domestic supply chains, developing new international markets and reducing its dependence on any single trading partner.

Northern Ontario’s critical minerals, forests,

energy, transportation corridors, and skilled workforce will be essential to building a stronger and more self-reliant Canadian economy.

FONOM encourages residents, municipalities, governments, and businesses to Buy Canadian whenever possible. Supporting local businesses, choosing Canadian-made products, using Canadian resources, and investing in Canadian companies are practical ways we can protect Canadian jobs and strengthen our economy.

Federal, provincial, and municipal procurement policies should also give greater priority to Canadian businesses, workers, materials, steel, lumber, and manufactured products. Canadian taxpayer dollars should support Canadian jobs and communities wherever possible.

FONOM will continue working with the federal and provincial governments, NOMA, AMO, industry partners, and our 110 member municipalities to ensure the needs of Northeastern Ontario remain part of the national response. Our position is clear: stand with the Government of Canada, support our workers and industries, Buy Canadian, and remain united as Canadians.

Greenfirst Forest Products Q2 Earnings Call Turnaround Greenfirst Forest Products Inc. signaled a notable turnaround in its second-quarter earnings call, as stronger production, shipments and pricing pushed the company back into positive operating income and EBITDA. Management struck a cautiously optimistic tone, balancing operational progress and government support against heavy duties, tight cash and an uncertain lumber market that still clouds the outlook.

Revenue rebounds sharply on improved market and operations Revenue surged to $96.1 million in Q2 from $60.6 million in Q1, a sequential jump of about 58.6% and a 13.7% increase from $84.5 million a year ago. Lumber sales accounted for $91.0 million, supplemented by $5.1 million of byproduct revenue, underscoring both volume recovery and better monetizati Production and shipments hit two-year high Quarterly production climbed roughly 22% versus Q1 to 111 million board feet, reflecting smoother mill operations and capacity utilization. Shipments rose even faster, up about 43% to 119 million board feet, with management pointing to roughly 120 million board feet as the strongest shipment quarter in the past two years.

Return to positive operating income and EBITDA

operating income in Q2 versus a $19.0 of previously recorded inventory valuation million loss in Q1. EBITDA from continuing reserves, providing an additional boost to operations swung to a positive $11.8 million reported results. from negative $15.1 million, a near $26.9 million Operational milestones and incremental improvement that highlights how volume and strategic moves The company reported continued rampefficiency gains are translating into better up of the Chapleau large-log line, which it financial performance.

Pricing gains and stronger product mix expects will deliver full financial contribution by year-end despite delays. Greenfirst added two support margins Average gross selling prices increased to new home-center locations, recorded a produc$765 per 1,000 board feet, helped by better tion high at the Hearst mill and emphasized market conditions and mix. After duties and outstanding safety performance, noting recordtariffs, the average net price stood at $486 per able and severity rates among the best in the sector. Cont’d on P.7 1,000 board feet, and management cited realized price gains of roughly $60 to $100 per 1,000 board feet during the quarter as a key contributor to the earnings recovery.

Unit cost reductions and inventory reserve reversal Manufacturing costs improved meaningfully on a perunit basis, with overall unit costs down about $70 per 1,000 board feet compared with Q1. The 705-864-4376 combination of stronger lumber prices and a more favorable jnsigns@gmail.com product mix also led to a reversal

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, August 27, 2026 - Page 3

Chapleau Moments Michael J. Morris

From the archives of

Michael J. Morris August 27, 2015

Newspaper headlines blared the story of the "Last Run" of the Canadian bidding farewell to Via Rail's transcontinental train that ran on Canadian Pacific Railway tracks through Chapleau until January 1990.

The Chapleau Sentinel headline declared 'A proud Canadian dies' while the London Free Press noted, "Northern communities mourn abrupt end of passenger train."

An important part of Canadian history ended in January 1990, when the Progressive Conservative government of Brian Mulroney cancelled the full service passenger train along t h e s o u t h e r n r o u t e t o Va n c o u v e r a n d Toronto/Montreal.

For Chapleau citizens, and those in all the other communities along the CPR mainline, the daily passenger train was a major player in community life.

Chapleau citizens greet last run of Via Rail's 'The Canadian' with protest and sadness in January 1990 Gordon Sanderson, a reporter with the London Free Press was on the last run. He wrote: "Northern Ontario communities that owe their existence to the railroad bid farewell to the last westbound transcontinental passenger train.."

Bobby Fortin, of Chapleau, who at the time had 35 years of service with the railway, was the conductor on the last westbound and eastbound Canadian to pass through Chapleau. The last westbound C a n a d i a n p a s s e d t h r o u g h Chapleau crew outside last Canadian From left Walter Telik, Chapleau on January 15 and the Mark Mizuguchi, Raymond Brunette, Bobby Fortin last eastbound on January 17, (courtesy Margaret Rose and Bobby Fortin) 1990.

Chapleau crew members and fill them all, even in winter." with Bobby included Shane Black, Baggageman; In Bobby's case, like in so many Mark Mizuguchi, Trainman; Raymond Brunette, Chapleau families, railroading was part of his First Engineer and Walter Telik, Second family.

"I live in Chapleau. My wife and three Engineer.

He told Mr. Sanderson, "I feel terrible... daughters were born there, Cont’d next page Every trip we could have five more cars,

The Canadian (Margaret Rose and Bobby Fortin collection)

Chapleau crew on last eastbound Canadian Shane Black, Mark Mizuguchi, Raymond Brunette (kneeling), Walter Telik, Bobby Fortin (courtesy Margaret Rose and Bobby Fortin)

Plan to Travel within Canada

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, August 27, 2026 - Page 4

Chapleau Moments Cont’d from P.3 and so was I. My father was a conductor and my four brothers are working for the railway," he told the reporter.

At 7:45 a.m a crowd of citizens gathered at the station to bid farwell but also to protest the government decision. The largest sign proclaimed "Brian (Mulroney, the prime minister) Resign -- Get Back on Track".

John Way-White, a member of Club Fifty-Five, and a retired CPR employee living in Chapleau wrote in the Chapleau Sentinel "... it was a sad day for the people of Chapleau and for the people of Canada... (as) the last Canadian train ran through our little town on to its final destination in Toronto or Montreal to be mothballed, sold or scrapped -- an ignominous end to a proud symbol of Canadian unity.

He added that the Canadian "had long served this country, along with its transcontinental predecessors , faithfully through wars,

depressions and better times ever since the government of Canada ceded invaluable rightof-way land in return for transportation services to Canadians."

John summed up the importance of the train to Chapleau. "Many worked on it as crew members, others serviced it as shop staff, car men, maintenance staff of the railway of the railway, and station personnel.

Townspeople who did Bobby Fortin relaxes with Mark Mizuguchi and Jack Pollock not work for the railroad and (trainman from Schreiber) on last westbound Canadian through travelled on the train. Thus it Chapleau. (courtesy Margaret Rose and Bobby Fortin) will be missed. not as a luxury, but as a necessity all across this providing me with newspaper clippings and great country." photos about the "last run". It was also great to John sure summed it up in words that chat with Mark and Walter at the Redwood apply now, 25 years later, as they did in 1990. when I was home recently, and I saw Raymond Thanks to Margaret Rose and Bobby Fortin for at Harry Pellow's party in Toronto in 2014.

Diane's Dream Does Double Duty - Again

by Steve Ellwood Diane DaigleDinel is clearly a force of nature, putting the green on the greens and keeping winter spirits burning bright. In the past few weeks, she's been as busy as ever.

For those who have been following the developing story, Diane's charitable organization, Diane's Dream, has been accepting recyclables such as empty beer and pop cans, and wine bottles. She then transports them at her own expense to recycling stations, cashing them in, and

donating the proceeds to deserving local community organizations.

Above, we see Diane making donations of $500 to the Kebsquasheshing Golf Club and another donation of $500 to the Chapleau Ski Club.

For Diane, the time for giving knows no season - it's a year round affair. To find out how you can help Diane's Dream support our local organizations, contact Diane Daigle-Dinel through Messenger and keep those empties coming.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, August 27, 2026 - Page 5

Ontario Expanding Protections for Tariff-Impacted Workers Province broadening eligibility for Protect Ontario Financing Program to support workers and businesses targeted by new U.S. tariffs To d a y, t h e O n t a r i o g o v e r n m e n t announced that in response to the United States’ newly enacted section 338 tariffs on a range of Canadian imports, the province will be immediately broadening eligibility for the Protect Ontario Financing Program (POFP) to protect impacted Ontario workers and businesses.

Working in tandem with the province’s existing tariff-relief measures, the expansion will ensure businesses whose exports are impacted by this new 50 per cent spike, as well as those businesses still subject to the existing section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and automotives, are equipped to withstand mounting operational pressures and keep workers on the job.

“Our government will do whatever it takes to stand up for Ontario workers and protect their jobs and paycheques as we face down this latest economic attack from President Trump,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Now more than ever, Team Canada needs to deliver on our shared commitment to build the most competitive and resilient economy in the G7, so we can attract investment, create jobs and protect workers and their families for decades to come.”

Ontario has been clear that unjustified U.S. tariffs hurt workers, businesses and families on both sides of the border by disrupting integrated supply chains, undermining investor confidence and raising costs for American consumers who ultimately bear the cost of U.S. tariffs on Canadian products. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government continues to adapt and use all available tools to mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs, including retaliatory restrictions on U.S. alcohol and procurement, and safeguard critical supply chains and workers from closures and layoffs.

“As President Trump’s tariffs continue to target our province’s key industries and the world-class workers behind them, our government remains unwavering in its commitment to protect Ontario,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By broadening eligibility for the Protect Ontario Financing Program and advocating for a fair deal, we will ensure Ontario’s economy can remain competitive and resilient for generations to come, while advancing meaningful, immediate relief for our businesses and their workers today.”

First launched in August 2025, the POFP provides up to $1 billion in financial support in the form of loans to Ontario-based businesses facing tariff-related working capital challenges, including payroll, lease payments and utility payments.

The program is part of Ontario’s broader $30

billion tariff relief and support plan, which is comprised of a suite of tactical response measures and initiatives to build long-term resiliency and prosperity, including: • The $150 million Ontario Together Trade Fund, which helps small and medium-sized enterprises affected by U.S. tariffs make nearterm investments to reach new international and interprovincial markets, strengthen competitiveness and re-shore critical supply chains. To date, the program has supported 89 companies, whose projects amount to nearly $1 billion in total investments that will protect and create more than 10,000 good-paying jobs across the province.

• The $40 million Trade-Impacted Communities Program, which helps communities and local industries disproportionally impacted by U.S. tariffs strengthen their economic resilience by reducing reliance on U.S. markets and navigate new export partnerships.

To date, the government has announced seven projects valued at $5.6 million, that have created and protected 1,605 good-paying jobs.

• The Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, which offers tax relief for capital investment in buildings, machinery and equipment used in manufacturing or processing in Ontario and helps protect and create goodpaying manufacturing jobs. The credit is expected to provide an estimated $2.7 billion in income tax support over five years and has been an important tool in the government’s ongoing work to support Ontario businesses and workers through the ongoing period of trade disruption.

“Our government is taking decisive action to protect Ontario workers, businesses and communities from U.S. tariffs taking direct aim at our economy,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Our government will continue to provide targeted support for our trade-impacted sectors and invest in strategic priorities to ensure Ontario remains resilient and well-positioned to navigate global uncertainty and seize new opportunities for long-term growth.”

Ontario remains steadfast in advocating for the province’s world-class workforce and key industries, reinforcing the longstanding benefits of the deeply integrated Canada-U.S. economic relationship while also underscoring the importance of diversified export markets. In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario will continue to lower taxes, cut red tape and attract historic investments, delivering on the government’s plan to build the most competitive and resilient economy in the G7.

Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act, 1962 authorizes the U.S. President to place tariffs (among other actions) on goods from other countries if those imports are deemed to threaten national security. Using section 232, the U.S. has placed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, copper and autos, threatening Ontario jobs and businesses.

Section 338 of the U.S. Tariff Act, 1930 authorizes the U.S. President to impose additional duties of up to 50 per cent on imports from countries deemed to discriminate against U.S. commerce. Using section 338, the U.S. has announced new 50 per cent tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods, effective as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on August 22, 2026. This is the first time the U.S. has imposed tariffs under section 338.

Due to tariffs and trade uncertainty, companies may lose sales, scale back hiring and investing and see their margins shrink. These pressures can result in reduced production, worker hours or employment, where strained finances could increase liquidity challenges and threaten their business survival. The POFP provides up to $1 billion in liquidity support in the form of loans to qualifying Ontario-based businesses facing tariff-related working capital challenges, including payroll, lease payments and utility payments.

Ontario is the leading province for manufacturing key industrial materials and is the steel-making hub of Canada, home to three large producers with a supply chain that supports 16,500 workers. The steel and aluminum industry is a safe and secure supplier to the broader North American manufacturing sector and the U.S. market.

Ontario’s auto sector is highly integrated with the U.S. and tariffs are negatively impacting businesses and workers on both sides of the border.

Canada’s cement and concrete industry help fill a critical supply gap in the U.S., particularly along the East Coast, where American industry has said domestic production cannot currently meet demand. New tariffs risk increasing costs and uncertainty for U.S. construction and infrastructure projects.

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, August 27, 2026 - Page 6

Last weeks solutions MOMENTS IN TIME On Sept. 12, 1952, residents of Flatwoods, West Virginia, while investigating a possible UFO crash, encountered a creature they described as 10 feet tall with glowing eyes and claw-like hands.

Skeptics, however, dismissed their "monster" as likely an owl.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, August 27, 2026 - Page 7

Greenfirst Forest Products Q2 Earnings Call Turnaround Cont’d from P.2 Government support helps cushion operating pressures Management highlighted the recognition of approximately $3.0 to $3.2 million from Ontario's sawmill chip supply program in Q2.

This funding supported both reported earnings and liquidity, offering a modest buffer as the company navigates high trade-related charges and continued investment in its mill network.

Duties and tariffs remain a heavy drag on results Export duties and tariffs climbed to about $21.1 million in Q2, up sharply from $12.1 million in Q1, marking roughly a 74% sequential increase. Management noted that Q2 duties were around $13 million higher than in the prior-year quarter, and year-to-date payments of about $33 million, including $26 million of duties, continue to weigh heavily on profitability and cash.

Liquidity tight as cash balances compress The company's cash position declined to $2.8 million at quarter-end from $6.5 million at the end of Q1, a drop of nearly 57% that underscores ongoing liquidity pressure. Operating activities generated $2.4 million of cash, but financing activities used $5.1 million, leaving management focused on access to its revolving credit facility and careful cash management.

Chapleau ramp-up slower than initial expectations While the Chapleau large-log line continues to progress, management admitted that monthly performance still trails pro forma projections. Commissioning has taken longer than originally planned, and although full

contribution is expected by year-end, the team acknowledged timing risks and the need to sustain operational improvements through the back half of the year.

Market uncertainty and housing affordability weigh on outlook Executives remained cautious on the trajectory of lumber prices, pointing to home affordability challenges as a notable demand headwind. With mortgage rates referenced at 6.58% in July and broader industry capacity and market conditions in flux, management warned that future price changes may not track duty adjustments one-for-one, keeping volatility elevated.

Energy, fuel and freight costs pressure margins Rising energy and fuel prices drove higher harvesting, hauling and mill operating costs, while freight expenses increased alongside higher shipment volumes. Management noted that energy is not the largest unit cost component but still represents a meaningful margin headwind, making ongoing efficiency gains critical to offset external cost pressures.

Working capital build and non-operating charges Inventory balances expanded in absolute dollar terms as higher volumes moved through the system, reflecting the operational ramp but tying up additional working capital. Non-

operating items also weighed on the quarter, with foreign exchange losses of $0.6 million and finance costs rising to $2.4 million due to increased borrowing needs.

Guidance: sustaining Q2 momentum while guarding liquidity Looking ahead, management expects the Chapleau large-log line to keep ramping through Q3 2026, with full financial impact targeted by year-end, and plans to complete a torrefiedpellets feasibility study in Q3. Greenfirst aims to maintain Q2 production and shipment momentum, continue unit cost reductions, preserve realized pricing and pursue top-quartile operations in Ontario, while reintroducing small, quick-payback capital projects and treating liquidity and duty management as core priorities.

Greenfirst's latest call paints a picture of a business that is operationally improving but still navigating significant financial and market headwinds. For investors, the key takeaway is that stronger volumes, better pricing and cost control are driving a real earnings recovery, yet elevated duties, compressed cash and an uncertain housing backdrop mean the company's cautious stance on risk and liquidity will remain central to the story.

Email us at chaexpress@sympatico.ca

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, August 27, 2026 - Page 8

Ontario Advancing Widening of Highway 69 Between Parry Sound and Sudbury Relocation of CN rail line will support construction of new Highway 522 interchange

As part of the Ontario government’s work to widen Highway 69 from two to four lanes, the province is investing in the relocation of a Canadian National Railway Company (CN) rail line within the Township of Mowat and the Municipality of Killarney. The remaining 68 kilometres of work to widen Highway 69

between Parry Sound and Sudbury will be split into six sections, four of which will be under heavy construction by the end of next year. This work will improve northern road safety and traffic flow and keep workers on the job for years to come while s u p p o r t i n g t h e p r o v i n c e ’s important mining and tourism sectors.

“Widening Highway 69 is a priority project for our government and we intend to use every tool at our disposal to accelerate this critical work,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister o f Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n . “ T h e relocation of the CN rail line will facilitate construction of a new interchange at Highway 522, marking another step forward to widen the highway, enhancing road safety on this critical corridor that supports economic development and t h e p r o v i n c e ’s world-class mining sector.”

T h e relocation of the CN Rail line, which is the first step in accelerating this project, will include grading, laying new track, installing signals and reconnecting the new track to the rest of the rail line. Once this work

is complete, construction can begin on a new interchange at Highway 522 that will be part of the expanded Highway 69.

“Highway 69 is a critical transportation corridor within Ontario’s highway network, supporting supply chains, economic development and access to employment, services and markets by connecting northern and southern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth.

“This investment in the widening of Highway 69 between Parry Sound and Sudbury will help enhance safety, improve the efficient movement of people and goods and build stronger, more resilient communities across northern Ontario.”

To date, Ontario has completed widening 84 kilometres of the 152-kilometre corridor, running from 17 kilometres north of Parry Sound to 67 kilometres south of Sudbury. This work has made travel along Highway 69 safer and helped people and goods get where they need to go while supporting good-paying jobs for construction workers.

The Ontario government is investing $31 billion over ten years to build, repair and expand highways, roads and bridges across the province.

Superior East OPP Investigates Fatal Collision Near Dubreuilville (D U B R E U I LV I L L E, O N) - The Superior East Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is continuing their investigation into a fatal single-vehicle collision that occurred in an isolated area north of Wawa.

On August 22, 2026, at approximately 6:01 p.m., the Superior East OPP responded to a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) rollover on a trail near Lochalsh, approximately 30 km east of Dubreuilville.

The driver of the UTV, a 36-year-old from Wawa, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Members of the OPP North East Region Traffic Incident Management and E nforcement (T.I.M.E.) team are assisting with the investigation.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS chaexpress@sympatico.ca

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