B.C. Minister of Forests, Ravi Parmar, has responded strongly to the U.S. announcement of increased antidumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber. Parmar condemned the tariffs, claiming that U.S. President Donald Trump is attacking Canada’s economy, with the forestry sector bearing the brunt of the impact. The sector, which employs tens of thousands of people in B.C., has faced ongoing challenges, including trade disputes, market pressures, and climate change effects.
Parmar called the new duties an unfair “tax” on middle-class Americans who are trying to build or repair homes. He noted that the duties not only hurt Canadian workers but also adversely affect people on both sides of the border.
“We will not stand by while Donald Trump tries to rip paycheques out of the hands of hard-working people in B.C.,” Parmar stated. He emphasized that the provincial government would continue to fight for forestry workers and communities to protect jobs and build a sustainable future for the sector.
As part of the response, Premier David Eby is working with other premiers at the federal level to develop a unified “Team Canada” approach. In addition, Parmar has appointed Don Wright, former deputy minister to the premier, as a strategic advisor on softwood lumber. The B.C. government is also convening a Softwood Lumber Advisory Council to support the province’s response to the ongoing challenges in the sector.
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