CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

The softwood lumber dispute affects tens of thousands of B.C. workers, and forest-dependent communities across B.C.

We’re fighting for a deal that’s good for B.C. workers, for the industry, and our communities.

In my first week as Premier, I travelled to Ottawa and Washington D.C. to deliver that message to the Prime Minister, and to U.S. Trade Representatives.

I made it very clear that B.C. was interested in a long-term deal, to avoid time and money wasted in duties and litigation.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has chosen to drag out this dispute, and has signalled their intention to impose duties on Canadian softwood exports.

Duties that are unfair and unfounded.

British Columbia is the dominant player in Canada’s softwood market.

Over 50 per cent of U.S.-bound softwood comes from B.C.

These unfair duties put thousands of B.C. jobs on the line

Creating uncertainty for the people and communities who depend on those jobs.

B.C. is a fair and competitive trader.

Every time the U.S. has imposed unfair duties on softwood, the courts have sided with Canada and our industry has been vindicated.

If the U.S. wants to go down this road, I am confident we will be vindicated once again.

We will defend B.C.’s interests in the softwood lumber dispute

And if that means litigation to defend BC against unfair tariffs on Canadian softwood, so be it.

We stand united with forest workers, industry leaders, and governments, in the fight for a fair deal.

We stand united in the fight against unfair duties on softwood lumber exports.

And we stand united defending the 60,000 people who rely on B.C.’s forest sector for their jobs and livelihoodsWe will continue the fight for a fair deal on softwood

Not just any deal. But a deal that works for B.C.