Softwood Lumber
Premiers discussed the ongoing softwood lumber dispute with the U.S. and expressed significant concern with the unwarranted and unfair trade action launched by the U.S. Department of Commerce against Canadian softwood entering the U.S. Premiers unequivocally reject the U.S. Lumber Coalition’s baseless and unfounded allegations that Canadian softwood lumber exports are subsidized.
The imposition of duties hurts communities in Canada where forestry is a major economic driver and disproportionately affects small- and medium-sized lumber businesses. These preliminary duties will also hit U.S. communities and middle class families hard through increased housing prices and job losses. The U.S. National Association of Home Builders estimates over 11,300 full- time American jobs will be lost in 2017 alone.
Premiers reaffirmed their commitment to work shoulder-to-shoulder with affected Canadian communities and workers impacted by the preliminary duties. Premiers will continue working with the federal government to secure a fair, new softwood lumber agreement with the U.S. and defend Canada’s interests through litigation if necessary.
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Media enquiries may be directed to:
Cheryl Oates
Media Relations
Office of the Premier, Government of Alberta
(780) 422-4905
[email protected]