Rob Morrison, Member of Parliament for Kootenay Columbia, recently pledged to stand up for Canadian lumber producers and workers in the face of punitive new U.S. tariffs, while expressing deep disappointment at the current government’s lacklustre response to this ongoing trade dispute.

“The U.S. decision to nearly double duties on Canadian softwood lumber from 8.05% to 14.54% is a devastating blow to our lumber industry, threatening jobs and livelihoods across the country,” said MP Morrison. “It’s time for real action to protect our workers and communities, not just words from Ministers.”

The MP criticized the government’s tepid reaction to the tariff hike, referencing statements from Minister Mary Ng and B.C. Forests Minister Bruce Ralston that merely expressed disappointment.

“Our lumber producers and workers need more than expressions of disappointment. They need a government willing to go to bat for them on the international stage,” Morrison stated. “The current administration’s failure to resolve this dispute or effectively counter these baseless U.S. claims is unacceptable.”

“The U.S. Lumber Coalition’s claims of subsidies and dumping are utterly without merit. It’s time our government stood up and said so forcefully, instead of meekly accepting these punitive measures,” Morrison added.

MP Morrison emphasized the critical importance of the softwood lumber industry to Canada’s economy, particularly in regions like British Columbia. “This isn’t just about trade numbers. It’s about real people, real jobs, and real communities that depend on a thriving forest sector.”

“I call on the government to treat this as the crisis it is. Our lumber producers and workers deserve nothing less than our full support and most vigorous defense,” Morrison concluded.

e-KNOW file photo

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