QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Softwood Lumber
November 5, 2024
Leader, the NDP-Liberals’ inaction on softwood lumber has real consequences for Canadian families. In September, Canfor announced two of its sawmills in northern British Columbia will close by the end of this year, leaving another 500 forestry workers out of jobs. In making this announcement, Canfor said:
The operating challenges we face have been further exacerbated by increases in the punitive US tariffs announced on August 13th – tariffs that are expected to more than double again next year. . . .
Leader, why does the Prime Minister think softwood lumber is a small issue, as he said on a U.S. celebrity talk show? Would those 500 workers agree?
The issue of how Canada manages its important, complicated and multi-faceted trade relationship with the United States is a serious one that this government, previous governments and all governments have at the top of the priority. I think I said on other occasions that the statement to which you referred is being taken quite out of context.
Canada and this government is working hard to defend Canadian interests, whether in the softwood lumber area or others, and has successfully prosecuted and defended Canadians’ interests and will continue to do so.
The NDP-Liberals have let nine long years and three presidential administrations go by without getting a deal on softwood lumber. Since then, American companies have received over $8 billion in duties that should have gone to Canadian workers and businesses.
Leader, this is why we say, “not worth the cost.” When will the NDP-Liberals bring home this money to Canada’s forestry sector?
Bring it home.
Thank you for your question. The negotiations, whether held pre-CUSMA, during CUSMA, thereafter or projected, between Canada and the United States on a broad suite of issues remain some of the most important issues that this government and any government will tackle. This government has a proven track record of prosecuting and defending Canadians’ interests against perhaps one of the most unpredictable administrations in American history, and it will continue to do so going forward.
