Ontario supports Forestry Workers and denounces unfair duties

Representative image of Ontario Forest Workers by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Ottawa: A joint statement was issued on Jan 24 by Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade highlighting the significance of the forest sector and its workers in our government’s plan to build Ontario.

They also spoke against unfair and harmful trade practices that continue to target our province. the workers, families, and communities that depend on the forest sector.

A recent preliminary decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce signals that a small decrease in unfair duty rates on Canadian softwood lumber is expected later this year.

Besides raising costs for consumers and businesses on both sides of the border, these duty rates add financial hardship and prevent fair competition and all rates should be removed immediately by the Government.

Being committed to standing up for Ontario’s workers and families, Ontario would continue to seek fair outcomes for both the public and industry.

The federal government, with partnerships with the provincial governments, and industry leaders across the country, would be a great support to the Canadian forest industry and free trade.

#Ontario; #ForestryWorkers