QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Softwood Lumber
June 18, 2020
Honourable senators, I also have a question for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Last month, a NAFTA panel ruled against Canada and upheld a U.S. International Trade Commission decision that the American lumber industry is injured by Canadian lumber imports. I remind the leader and all honourable senators that in March 2016, four years ago, the Prime Minister promised a softwood lumber deal with the United States within 100 days.
Four years later, Senator Gold, could you tell us if any discussions have taken place recently between Canada and the American officials regarding the softwood lumber duties? When was the last time Minister Freeland or any other minister met with their counterparts about softwood lumber?
Thank you. I can’t answer specifically. I can’t give you dates nor the frequency, but I can reassure this chamber that the government is in regular contact. The minister, her staff and other relevant ministers are in regular contact with their counterparts in the United States. It’s the most important trading relationship for us in Canada. The softwood lumber issue is hardly a new issue. We’ve been struggling with it in Canada, largely successfully, throughout the history of our relationship with the United States. I can endeavour to find out more details. I am advised, however, that the government is in regular contact with its counterparts on all of the economic issues that concern our two countries.
It has been four years since the Prime Minister promised a softwood lumber deal. I, and this chamber, would like to know when these discussions specifically have taken place in recent weeks or months.
The forestry sector in my province of British Columbia has gone through a terrible period over the last number of years, well before the advent of COVID-19. The global pandemic and its resulting economic downturn made an already bad situation worse for our forestry companies and their workers. For instance, Canfor recently announced that the Isle Pierre sawmill would be permanently closed by mid-August. Production will be curtailed at the Prince George Pulp and Paper and Intercontinental Pulp Mill. Last week, Paper Excellence Canada said its operations in Mackenzie will also be curtailed.
Leader, what is the government doing specifically to help the B.C. forestry sector survive this period of significant job losses and economic instability? I know other sectors are still waiting for help, such as our oil and gas sector, but in terms of the forestry sector, can they expect support from this government any time soon?
I’m sorry, senators, but the time for Question Period has expired.
