The BC Forest sector is calling on the federal government to bring the same urgency to the lumber file as it has to steel, aluminum, and energy.
Kurt Niquidet is the President of the BC Lumber Trade Council.
“Really we’re just trying to make sure that the forest sector is a priority, that we’re a priority in the broader trade discussions with the U.S. We hear a lot about steel and aluminum and sometimes we feel like we’re a bit of an afterthought.”
Niquidet says they would also like to see some of the support measures that were announced in the summer, that have been a bit slow to roll out, to be expedited.
“There was about 1.2 billion of supports that were announced by Prime Minister Carney in August and 700 million of that was for a loan guarantee program. This is to help companies, particularly small and medium sized companies, weather the storm coming at us with these duties and tariffs. There also was funds for supporting workers as well as initiatives to grow the domestic market as well as to diversify into other markets.”
Niquidet says these are unprecedented times with duties and tariffs at a level that haven’t been seen before.
“Up to 35 percent that started in August. And then now with the imposition of these tariffs, that’s on top of things, so we’re at 45 percent now. We’ve never been in this situation so it’s a real blow to the sector, and this is why we’re saying that this is an urgent situation and it needs to be a priority for the federal government.”
For reference, Niquidet says prior to August their duties were just over 14 percent.
A joint statement within the BC forest sector was out out today. (Oct 14)
Forests Minister Ravi Parmer said:
“These are tough days for forestry workers and contractors around British Columbia. Fighting American duties and tariffs will require everyone working together-industry, workers, and all levels of government-to defend pay cheques and keep businesses operating-but it’s clear that we need the federal government to stand up, shoulder-to-shoulder with us.”