British Columbia Premier David Eby has urged the Canadian government to safeguard forestry workers amid escalating tariffs imposed by the U.S. president, posing a significant threat to an already struggling industry. The U.S. recently enforced a 10% tariff on Canadian lumber, in addition to the existing 35% tariff. Furthermore, a 25% tariff was imposed on specific Canadian wood products, such as furniture. This development has cast a shadow over communities like Grand Forks, B.C., where local mill operations were already on shaky ground.
Interfor, a major lumber producer, previously announced production cutbacks across its North American operations, including in Grand Forks. However, the indefinite closure of the mill came as a shock to the community, affecting numerous individuals like truck driver Doug Gailey, who expressed concerns over the uncertain future. The decision to reduce and halt operations was attributed to challenging market conditions and economic uncertainties exacerbated by the impact of U.S. trade actions.
In response to the crisis, Premier Eby has demanded financial assistance from the federal government to support forestry workers during this tumultuous period. He highlighted the urgent need for aid, describing the situation as another blow to the industry. Despite Prime Minister Mark Carney’s pledge of $1.2 billion in support for the softwood lumber sector in August, the funds have yet to materialize, prompting Forest Minister Ravi Parmar to call for immediate action to safeguard the Canadian forest sector.
Eby expressed apprehension over the lack of attention paid to British Columbia’s forestry issues compared to other provinces by federal leaders. He emphasized the need for the same level of urgency and support afforded to other industries facing crises, stressing the importance of prioritizing the forest sector’s well-being. Additionally, Eby highlighted the disparity in tariffs between Canada and Russia, intending to launch an awareness campaign in the U.S. to address this discrepancy.
The impact of the tariffs extends beyond British Columbia, with New Brunswick also feeling the repercussions. Premier Susan Holt of New Brunswick recently appealed to the federal government to prioritize softwood lumber tariffs, citing the critical role of the forestry industry in supporting local communities. The uncertainty surrounding the future of forestry companies poses a significant risk to workers, families, and communities across British Columbia, emphasizing the dire need for immediate assistance to ensure their survival during these challenging times.
