Softwood lumber agreement
Our government stands shoulder to shoulder with Alberta’s forest workers, their families and the communities that rely on a strong forest industry. Our government is working closely with the federal government and our forest industry to defend Alberta jobs and fair market access.
This is the fifth time since 1982 that the U.S. has investigated alleged Canadian lumber subsidies. In each case, international tribunals have ruled in Canada’s favour. We are confident we will prevail again.
Together with affected provinces and the federal government, we are developing plans to help support Albertans in addressing the possible impacts of a prolonged trade dispute.
Part of our strategy is to have a strong voice for Alberta in the U.S. That’s why our government has appointed Gary Doer, a former Canadian ambassador to the U.S.
His experience, high profile and deep knowledge of bilateral relations will be critical to ensuring our U.S. partners understand the significance of the U.S.-Alberta softwood trade relationship. He will be a key ally in advancing our strong commitment to finding a solution to the lumber dispute.
As your local MLA and the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, I am heavily involved in a federal–provincial task force on this issue to ensure that Alberta’s interests are represented in broader national efforts to overturn this unfair trade action. I have also engaged my American counterparts while at meetings in the U.S. earlier in the year.
We believe that a new and lasting deal is needed and we want to ensure that any deal supports our forest industry and the workers who support their families in this important industry. We want to see a long term solution to this problem and we are working hard to achieve that goal.
Diversifying our economy remains a key priority for our government, and a robust forest industry is a key ingredient in a diverse and resilient Alberta economy. Alongside that goal, we are also working hard to diversify our markets so that we are no longer stuck in the trap of selling one product at one price to one customer.
We know that Alberta’s forest industry relies significantly on exports. That is why we are actively pursuing new markets outside the U.S. I have taken trade missions in Asia to move this goal forward. Premier Rachel Notley and Economic Development and Trade Minister Deron Bilous have also recently returned from a very successful Asian trade mission.
As a government we want to ensure our products are sold around the world so we can continue diversifying our economy, creating good jobs and making life better for Alberta’s forest communities. Our government’s actions on the softwood lumber issue will be centred on those priorities.