Alberta stands with forestry industry: Statement

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier has issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Lumber Coalition’s decision to petition the U.S. government to investigate imposing duties against Canadian softwood lumber exports.

“Although we are not surprised by the actions of the U.S. Lumber Coalition, we are deeply disappointed. Despite repeated investigation over more than three decades, the U.S. government’s countervailing action has not survived a legal challenge by Canada.

“The forestry sector is an important contributor to the economy on both sides of the border, employing nearly 20,000 Albertans in more than 70 communities, and generating approximately $600 million in softwood exports to the U.S. from our province. It is in the best interests of all parties involved that the Canadian and U.S. governments reach a new Softwood Lumber Agreement in order to continue our strong trade relationship, create certainty for consumers and support working families and businesses within the forestry sector.

“We will stand with our forestry industry and the workers and families it supports. Our government will continue to work with the federal government and our lumber industry partners to advocate on behalf of the Alberta forestry sector and the workers and communities it supports, to defend our industry from potential trade actions.”