THE BC Lumber Trade Council on Tuesday applauded the federal government’s decision to challenge U.S. softwood lumber duties under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.

Susan Yurkovich, President of the Council, said in a statement:  “We remain steadfast in our position that these unfair duties are harmful to not only B.C. businesses and workers, but also U.S. consumers looking to renovate and build new homes. This is particularly concerning as these duties remain a threat to post-pandemic recovery on both sides of the border.”

She added: “Our continued hope is that the U.S. industry will end this decades-long dispute and instead work with us to meet demand for the low-carbon wood products the world needs, including American families. Until then, we will continue to vigorously defend our industry against these baseless claims and thank the Government of Canada for standing with forest product workers and their families.” 

B.C. is the largest Canadian exporter of softwood lumber to the U.S.