Listen Live

Stubbs Blames Liberals For US Softwood Lumber Tariffs

The Trump Administration down south has placed tariffs as high as 24 percent on Canadian softwood Lumber. Local MP Shannon Stubbs feels the Liberals are to blame for this state of affairs, citing a failure to renegotiate a new deal after the last one expired in October.

“The Liberals are failing to create jobs and grow the economy. On Tuesday, Canadians learned how they have failed the forestry workers and their families, by blatantly jeopardizing their livelihoods,” said Stubb, who is also Deputy Critic for Natural Resources.

“While the Prime Minister is taking pictures with Ivanka Trump and making claims that the Canadian government is focused on growing the middle class, he is failing hard working Canadians.  Forestry workers across Canada deserve stability and predictability from their government. Liberal inaction on the Softwood Lumber file will cost Canadian companies millions of dollars and could result in more closers like the shutdown of the Miller Western Sawmill in the Village of Boyle,” said MP Stubbs.

The deal represents 2 percent of Canada’s GDP and 370,000 jobs are tied to the industry.

“A tariff of up to 24 percent on Canadian lumber will only result in more mill closures and more job losses across Canada,” said MP Stubbs. “Negotiating a new softwood lumber agreement has never been a priority for the Liberals.  There is zero leadership and no mention of securing a new agreement in any of the Minister’s mandate letters.  Although the Prime Minister has had a preliminary conversation with President Trump vowing to continue a strong dialogue between the two nations on bilateral trade, the lack of action on this file to date is extremely concerning. If the Liberals were truly defending the Canadian softwood lumber industry, they would have made sure that this level of tariff never happened in the first place,” said MP Stubbs.   

How willing the current government in the States is to negotiate such a deal is debatable, given Trump’s staunch “Made in America” agenda.

“We love Canada, wonderful people, wonderful country, but they have been very good about taking advantage of us through NAFTA,” the president said in a recent press conference. Trump has also taken swipes at the Canadian dairy industry in recent days.

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Heat warning issued for the Lakeland region

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Lakeland, with daytime highs expected to reach 29°C and overnight lows near 14°C for the next two days.

Cold Lake is set to go big for Canada Day with a full day of events

Cold Lake is getting ready to celebrate Canada Day with a lineup of family fun, entertainment, and fireworks on July 1.

RCAF CF-18 to flyby Cold Lake on July 1

With the weather pitching in for Canada Day, expect the roar of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as two CF-18 Hornets will flyby at various times over Cold Lake, Lloydminster, and Spruce Grove on July 1.

Woman airlifted to Edmonton after two-vehicle collision near Elk Point

A 78-year-old woman was airlifted to Edmonton in critical condition following a two-vehicle collision in the county of St. Paul on June 24. 

Town of St. Paul ready to host full day of Canada Day events

The town of St. Paul is getting ready for a packed Canada Day celebration on July 1, featuring activities, live entertainment, and a performance of Canadian fiddle music. 
- Advertisement -