British Columbia Premier, David Eby, urges the Canadian government to safeguard forestry workers in the face of escalating tariffs imposed by the U.S. president, which threaten to further destabilize an already struggling industry. On Tuesday, the U.S. introduced a 10% tariff on Canadian lumber, in addition to the existing 35% tariff. Furthermore, a 25% tariff was placed on certain Canadian wood products, such as furniture, intensifying the challenges faced by communities like Grand Forks, B.C., where local mill operations are already on shaky ground.
In early September, Interfor, a major lumber producer, 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 and impacted numerous workers like truck driver Doug Gailey. Gailey expressed his uncertainty and concern about the situation, emphasizing the need for support amidst the unexpected shutdown.
Interfor’s vice-president attributed the decision to reduce and halt operations to persistent market challenges and economic uncertainties, exacerbated by U.S. trade actions and escalating softwood lumber duties. Premier Eby, during a recent news conference, demanded federal financial assistance to assist forestry workers during what he described as an “additional attack” on the industry.
Although Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged $1.2 billion in support for the softwood lumber industry back in August, B.C. Council of Forest Industries president Kim Haakstad noted that the promised funding has not yet materialized. Forestry Minister Ravi Parmar emphasized the urgent need for immediate funding to safeguard the Canadian forest sector, highlighting the industry’s critical state.
Eby expressed concerns about the unequal treatment of the forest sector, urging Ottawa to prioritize the challenges faced by British Columbia and address the looming threat to the forestry industry. Highlighting the severity of the situation, Eby emphasized the need for federal support and called for urgent action to prevent further repercussions on forestry companies, workers, and communities across the province.
Similarly, New Brunswick is also grappling with the impact of lumber and wood product tariffs, with Premier Susan Holt urging the federal government to prioritize addressing the challenges faced by New Brunswick’s forest industry. The potential consequences of mill closures and job losses underscore the urgent need for intervention to mitigate the economic fallout and support affected communities.
As the future of the forestry industry hangs in the balance, Eby voiced concerns about the potential collapse of numerous forestry companies, posing a significant threat to workers, families, and communities dependent on the sector. In Grand Forks, the prevailing uncertainty has cast a shadow over the town, with residents and workers grappling with the looming challenges and hoping for government intervention to navigate through these turbulent times.