Unifor is calling for a coordinated national response to support Canada’s forestry sector following a preliminary decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce to more than double tariffs on softwood lumber imports from Canada.
The U.S. move would raise the combined duty on Canadian softwood lumber to 34.35 per cent, with a final decision expected in August. Unifor, which represents more than 22,000 forestry workers across the country, said the federal and provincial governments must act swiftly to protect jobs and ensure the long-term viability of the industry.
“We have an opportunity to address two crises with one made-in-Canada plan to build the housing we desperately need with our own mass timber and lumber,” said Lana Payne, Unifor’s national president. “Unifor is calling on federal and provincial party leaders to commit to an industrial strategy for forestry that will support operations in every province and keep Canadians working.”
Forestry jobs at risk amid mounting trade pressures
In addition to the proposed tariff hike, the U.S. government has launched a national security investigation into imports of lumber, timber and wood products, which could result in further duties on Canadian pulp, lumber, and furniture later this year.
Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier said short-term measures are also needed to support the industry. “We must reduce our historic dependence on exporting lumber and adapt Canada’s forestry industry. The lumber is grown here – now we must process and build here,” he said. “We need to see immediate supports for employers to keep workplaces operating, and income supports for workers who face curtailments and layoffs.”
Union pledges continued advocacy
Unifor said it is lobbying all levels of government to develop financial assistance programs, trade diversification strategies, and enhanced income security measures for affected workers. The union has committed to defending forestry jobs “through whatever means necessary.”
The softwood lumber dispute has long been a point of tension between Canada and the U.S., with Canadian producers frequently facing punitive tariffs despite repeated rulings by international trade bodies in Canada’s favour.
