Readout - Federal, Provincial Ministers Discuss Ongoing Softwood Lumber Dispute With U.S. and Its Economic Effects

OTTAWA, Nov. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, and his provincial counterparts today discussed final determinations by the U.S. Department of Commerce in the countervailing and anti-dumping duty investigations into imports of certain softwood lumber products from Canada.

Minister Carr and the other members of the Federal–Provincial Task Force on Softwood Lumber denounced the unfair and punitive duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports that threaten the livelihoods of workers and communities that depend on the forest industry across our country.

The ministers and the Task Force discussed the economic impacts of the dispute and  the rollout of the Softwood Lumber Action Plan, which made available $867 million to diversify Canada's forest products and international markets and support affected workers and communities.

The ministers and the Task Force reaffirmed their commitment to forest workers and communities that rely on softwood lumber and reiterated the importance of coordinating and consulting with forest sector stakeholders and engaging with Indigenous communities and companies affected by the dispute. They also declared their continuing commitment to helping the industry transform and use wood in new ways, by selling to new international markets and continuing to lead as a major player in the low-carbon and bioeconomy. Market diversification for wood products will create Canadian jobs and benefit the communities that rely upon the forest industry.

The ministers and the Task Force will continue to consult closely on Canada's response to these duties. Canada will remain in close contact with the provinces, territories, Canadian industry and its workers on this issue.

The Government of Canada maintains the view that a negotiated agreement that brings stability to the softwood lumber industry is in the best interest of both countries. The Government will also continue to engage our American counterparts to encourage them to come to a durable, negotiated agreement on softwood lumber.

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada