Ottawa, ON – Bob Zimmer, Conservative Shadow Minister for Northern Affairs and Artic Sovereignty; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Member of Parliament for Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, released the following statement:
“After nine years, Justin Trudeau and the NDP have failed working Canadians. This was again made clear after Canfor Corp announced they were shutting two sawmills in northern British Columbia, affecting 500 workers. These job losses will be devastating for the small communities of Vanderhoof and Fort St. John.
“This happened because Justin Trudeau failed to reach an agreement with the Americans, resulting in the United States doubling tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber. Earlier this month, the United States increased softwood lumber tariffs from 8.05 percent to 14.45 percent, putting thousands of jobs on the line. In fact, when Canfor made this announcement, they made clear that these tariffs hurt the ability of their business to continue operating, saying “punitive” tariff increases were the final blow. On top of this, radical NDP policies have devastated the forestry sector in British Columbia.
“It wasn’t like this before Justin Trudeau. When Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper was first elected, he negotiated a deal with the Americans within his first 80 days, resulting in stronger paycheques and a booming economy in northern British Columbia. Justin Trudeau has had nine years, and three separate presidential administrations, and yet failed to strike a deal that will save Canadian jobs. In fact, the tariffs are now getting worse.
“Trudeau should never have allowed a nine-year lapse on the softwood lumber agreement. In that time, American companies have received $8 billion in money that should’ve gone to Canadian workers and businesses.
“Canadian workers deserve better. Only Common Sense Conservatives will deliver a deal for Canada’s forestry workers and bring home powerful paycheques for working Canadians.”