The federal Liberal government has failed to secure the removal of the U.S. duties on softwood lumber which continue to burden the forestry industry, says Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Wayne Stetski and the federal NDP.

Given that the U.S. is blocking the appointment of judges to the World Trade Organization’s appellate body, it is unlikely Canada’s appeal on the duties will be dealt with in a timely manner, the party stated in a May 30 media release.

NDP Members of Parliament Stetski, Richard Cannings (South Okanagan–West Kootenay), and Christine Moore (Abitibi–Témiscamingue) wrote to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland, and the Minister of Natural Resources Amarjeet Sohi, calling on the government to prioritize securing a fair deal on softwood lumber.

Stetski also raised the issue in the House of Commons, calling on the Liberal government to recognize the importance of the forestry sector to rural communities.

“Softwood lumber is a fundamental part of Canada’s forestry sector,” said Stetski. “For many rural communities, it’s the backbone of our economies providing high-quality, well-paid jobs that tens of thousands of Canadians rely upon to support their families.”

This spring, British Columbia has seen temporary and permanent mill closures and reductions in shifts. The impact of the mountain pine beetle infestation and the increased scale and frequency of wildfires pose real threats to the forestry industry. The U.S. duties further jeopardize the industry’s financial sustainability, he added.

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