QUESTION PERIOD — International Trade
Softwood Lumber
December 1, 2021
Honourable senators, my question is also for the government leader in the Senate and on a question that I’ve been asking repeatedly as well. The leader may remember that during a Question Period in May, I raised plans brought forward by the U.S. Department of Commerce to increase its tariffs on softwood lumber imports from Canada in November.
Last week, a few days after a face-to-face meeting finally took place between the Prime Minister and President Biden, the U.S. went ahead and doubled the tariffs from 8.99% to 17.9%. This is absolutely terrible news for the forestry sector in my province of B.C. and, indeed, across Canada.
Leader, I have raised the concerns of B.C.’s forestry sector and the need for a softwood lumber agreement with the United States in this place many times. By now, it’s sadly clear that this industry is just not a priority for the Trudeau government. Simply, why not?
Senator, thank you for raising the question and for underlining the importance of the industry to your province, to mine and, indeed, to many regions and provinces.
It’s simply not the case, however, with respect, that this is not an industry that is important to Canada. Quite on the contrary, Canada has and will continue to use all of its levers to defend the interests of the industry as it can. It’s extremely disappointed with the results of this most recent decision. The duties are unjustified. They hurt workers, they hurt businesses and they hurt communities, indeed in both countries.
As members will know, Minister Ng is currently in Washington. This is an issue she is raising with her counterparts. My understanding is she is accompanied by MPs from all parties to make it clear how significant and important this is for Canada.
As Minister Freeland has also said, we, the Government of Canada — I’m quoting her — is ready to respond to “. . . defend national interests.” That’s what we’re doing.
I was going to ask about what exactly has happened in our exchange with the United States because, if you recall, I had quoted Katherine Tai, the U.S. trade representative, who told the U.S. Senate Finance Committee earlier this year:
In order to have an agreement and in order to have a negotiation, you need to have a partner. And thus far, the Canadians have not expressed interest in engaging.
I’m glad to hear that Minister Ng is down in the U.S., but I would like to ask you, leader, if you could report back to our chamber the results from that meeting. And specifically on this issue of softwood lumber, what will be happening to alleviate the issues that we’re facing today? Doubling tariffs is just really concerning for the industry and all of us.
Thank you for your question. The concern that you’re expressing is shared by Canadians in the industry and by this government. I will be happy to report, as I’m sure the minister will upon her return, the processes at play and the levers and options that are within Canada’s power to execute are matters that sometimes take some time to put into place or to decide to put into place. Most of these discussions, especially with our major trading partner, take place out of the spotlight. When I have something to report, I will be happy to report it.
