Three Ontario ministers say duties on Canadian softwood lumber exports remain unjustified, even after the United States decreased the duty rate to 24.75 per cent.
Kevin Holland, associate minister of forestry and forest products, Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris and Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli issued a joint statement Wednesday in response to the latest U.S. Department of Commerce decision.
“Ontario’s position is clear. Duties on Canadian softwood lumber exports are unjustified and are hurting workers, businesses and communities in Canada and the United States,” the ministers said. “These punitive and unjustified measures are raising construction costs and making life more expensive for American families.”
The ministers said that while the lower rate may suggest some relief to producers, the province remains firm that the duties are unwarranted and not supported by evidence. They said Ontario continues to call on the United States to eliminate all softwood lumber duties and tariffs and work with Canada toward a fair agreement that provides long-term certainty for the sector.
The ministers said Ontario’s forest sector supports thousands of workers and communities across the province and plays an important role in supplying wood products for homebuilding and infrastructure on both sides of the border.
“We will continue to protect Ontario jobs by challenging these unjustified duties and work towards a fair and durable trade agreement that protects Ontario’s interests,” the statement said.
