British Columbia Premier David Eby says his government will fight back against a decision by the United States Department of Commerce to significantly raise duties on Canadian softwood lumber, calling the move an attack on the province’s forest sector.
The U.S. announced plans to increase countervailing duties on Canadian softwood to 34.45 per cent—more than double the current level. The proposed hike is part of a longstanding trade dispute that has seen duties imposed on Canadian lumber exports for decades.
Impact on workers and housing costs
Eby warned that the increase will have immediate consequences for forestry workers in British Columbia and could also lead to higher housing costs for American consumers.
“This is an attack on forest workers and British Columbians,” Eby said in a statement issued Friday. “To every forestry worker in British Columbia hearing the news of this impending increase to softwood lumber duties, know this: We have got your back and your government will fight for you.”
He added that the move contradicts U.S. President Joe Biden’s stated goal of lowering costs for Americans.
Call for national unity and federal action
Eby said he plans to raise the issue directly with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a meeting on April 7, urging a united response similar to previous joint efforts on trade issues affecting Ontario and Quebec.
“In Canada, the continued unjustified softwood lumber duties, combined with additional U.S. tariffs and other trade actions, have united Canadians,” said Eby. “We hope to see the same Team Canada approach to protecting [B.C. jobs], just like with the automotive and steel industry jobs in Ontario and Quebec.”
He said the province would work with other governments, the forestry industry, labour groups, and Indigenous leaders to explore all possible avenues to challenge the decision and defend B.C.’s interests.
Ongoing dispute
The softwood lumber dispute is one of the longest-running trade conflicts between Canada and the U.S., centring on American claims that Canadian lumber producers receive unfair government subsidies. Canadian officials have repeatedly rejected those claims, and past duties have been challenged successfully through international trade tribunals.
