QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Softwood Lumber
September 26, 2024
Leader, on Tuesday, when I asked you about the NDP-Liberal government’s failure to secure a softwood lumber deal with the United States, you replied in part, “Deals take two to tango.”
During a Question Period in May 2021, well over three years ago, I asked you about comments from Katherine Tai, the U.S. Trade Representative. She told the U.S. Senate Finance Committee:
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.
Leader, what specific actions have been taken by the Trudeau government this year to reach a softwood lumber deal with the United States?
Canada and its public officials and, indeed, at important times, political members of the government — indeed, members of Parliament — are engaged with their American counterparts to address a broad range of trade issues that are on the table between our two countries.
The track record of Canada in its relationships with the United States is a very good one in terms of negotiating our agreements and addressing our disputes. That is not only under this government, although it did a Herculean job in negotiating CUSMA under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. They had the benefit of people from all parties and experiences to weigh in. Previous governments as well have prosecuted and defended Canadian interests well. We have benefited and been successful on many occasions with the dispute resolution mechanisms and will continue to do that under this government and any government, I expect, in the best interests of Canadians.
Yes, but the fact is that this summer, shortly after the U.S. almost doubled its tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, Canfor announced the closure of two of its mills. Five hundred more forestry workers in British Columbia will lose their jobs by the end of the year.
Why didn’t the Prime Minister remember these forestry workers and their families when he dismissed softwood lumber as a small issue on an American celebrity talk show?
With all respect, Senator Martin, you’re making an assumption that is incorrect.
The Government of Canada is very aware of the impact of these measures on Canadian producers and on Canadian industry. It is aware of and sensitive to the impact of tariffs, trade barriers and other things that impede our ability to have access to markets. It’s working carefully and seriously, often behind the scenes, to address these.
