Premier David Eby has issued the following statement in response to the United States’ decision to impose tariffs on Canadian timber and lumber, through Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act:

“Let’s be clear. These tariffs on our lumber have NOTHING to do with national security. 

“They are an economic assault targeting B.C. families. In the United States, they’re designed to distract, but will actually raise prices for U.S. consumers. 

“B.C. will stand with our forestry workers at the same time as we diversify our economy. There are other countries that want B.C. lumber, and together we will build a strong future for B.C.’s forestry workers.”

Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, said: 

“British Columbia, alongside all Canadians, is shocked by these unjustified actions by the U.S. president. This unilateral measure lacks logic and it needlessly drives up costs for U.S. consumers and homeowners, while straining the historic bonds between our countries.

“To suggest that Canadian lumber, which is used to build affordable homes for American families, is somehow a national-security risk is ludicrous. This action has no basis in fact.

“Last week, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra remarked that the United States ‘may need lumber or building materials from someone other than just the United States.’

“We know British Columbia is the second-largest exporter of softwood lumber in the world, second only to Russia; yet, right now, Canadian lumber faces higher duties and tariffs than Russian lumber. Think about that. At a time when the U.S. should be working with its closest ally, it is punishing Canadian producers more than it does Russia. It undermines workers and communities on both sides of the border.

“To help companies absorb the immediate effect of these unfair measures, we applied a two-month pause on timber-harvest bill payments. And we’re pushing hard to make sure B.C. gets its fair share of federal relief dollars to protect jobs and communities here at home.

“We are continuing to work closely with our federal partners and international allies to challenge these unfair trade actions.

“To forestry workers throughout B.C.: We will keep fighting for you and your paycheques. This latest trade action and the reaction of the U.S. lumber industry demonstrates that the United States’ true goal is to weaken the Canadian forestry sector.

“Know that we are considering any and all options to support B.C.’s forestry economy.”