New B.C. Council Will Advocate For Forestry Workers

The Province has formed a new council to advance British Columbia’s interests in the long-standing softwood lumber dispute with the United States.

The council brings together leaders from the forestry sector and labour, alongside experts on U.S. relations and officials from the B.C. government.

The B.C. Softwood Lumber Advisory Council convened its first meeting on January 30th and will meet regularly.

It advises the Minister of Forests on the dispute providing recommendations on steps B.C. can take to eliminate the 14.4% softwood lumber duties.

The council will also help the Province advocate to the federal government as these duties continue to take their toll on B.C.’s forestry sector.

“The U.S. has imposed unjustified softwood lumber duties on Canada for years, and we anticipate that they will likely double before the end of this year,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests.

“Bringing this team together, I am ready to throw the full weight of B.C. in the ring to fight these duties. We are going to defend the hard-working forestry workers of B.C. from these unfair duties.”

Parmar will chair the council with a focus on diplomatic and trade strategy and measures to fight for B.C.’s interests in the dispute.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.