Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests; Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation; Jagrup Brar, Minister of State for Trade; and Andrew Mercier, Minister of State for Sustainable Forestry Innovation, have issued the following statement:

“Today’s preliminary decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce is, once again, deeply disappointing. The continued application of unjustified duties on B.C. softwood lumber exports to the U.S. is hurting Canadians and Americans alike.

“As we work with our industry partners to develop a dependable and sustainable forest industry in B.C., we are continually impeded by these tariffs, leading to higher prices and unstable markets on both sides of the border.

“Alongside our federal government partners, we will continue to fight for the 56,000 hard-working people who make up B.C.’s forest industry and are unfairly impacted by these duties.

“We need strong trade partners across the border who work with us, not against us, in making a stronger forest sector for Canada and the United States.

“With the federal government, we will continue to relentlessly pursue litigation through all available avenues, including under the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement and the World Trade Organization.

“Government remains focused on expanding the markets for B.C. wood products, at home and abroad, by promoting innovation and trade relationships with global markets.

“We continue to work with the federal government, provincial partners and our forest industry, and we are determined to see a just outcome for B.C.’s forest sector.

“Our government will always stand with workers and their families.”