Even though Canada and the United States have reached a new trade deal, 20% softwood lumber tariffs remain in place.
Unifor Local National representative Stephen Boon is urging the Canadian government to continue pressing the Trump administration to remove the tariffs.
Boon says “we definitely to get that corrected and I know that’s being processed under Chapter 19 of the new NAFTA deal that has a dispute mechanism where it’s clearly not legal under the rules.”
Fortunately, Boon says right now actual mills are still doing fine despite the duties.
He says lumber prices are at historic levels, housing starts are at record highs and the Canadian dollar remains in the high 70 cent range.
Kenora MP Bob Nault says we can’t be complacent as things can change in a hurry.
Nault says the government will continue to work with the Trump Administration in a bid to scrap the tariffs.
When it comes to reaching a new Softwood Lumber deal.
Nault says they will not only be going to be at the table with the Americans on getting a new Softwood Lumber deal, they will continue to push the trade of lumber products around the world.
