NOMA Continues Push for Reduced Lumber Tariffs

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The United States decision to more than double duties on Canadian softwood lumber exports to 35.19 per cent is being strongly condemned and by the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA). The organization says the economic stability of Northwestern Ontario’s forestry communities and the livelihoods of thousands of workers are threatened by this “dramatic” increase.

NOMA president Rick Dumas called the rate escalation deeply unfair and unjustified, and says NOMA continues to call on the Canadian and U.S. governments to work together to finally resolve the decades-long trade war.

“Our communities need certainty, fairness and a durable, rules-based solution that supports rural and Indigenous economies and keeps lumber affordable for all,” he said.

Dumas says some solutions lie within last week’s federal government announcement of measures aimed at supporting and transforming Canada’s softwood lumber industry as part of the Canadian government’s comprehensive strategy.

“But how do we purchase our products locally? How do we break down ($500 million for product and market diversification) into provincial areas? Some provinces don’t grow and harvest wood,” Dumas said. “I’m not an expert in the field. I’m just a politician trying to make sure we’re voicing the concerns of the industry within our backyard.”

He said regulations are “a big part of it,” and there are opportunities for industry and government to work together.

“When you look at the forestry sector, and the fine details of the forestry industry, you’ve got stumpage fees, forest management plans and the risks to the caribou species,” he said. “All these various things cost a lot of money for companies to operate in their forestry sector.”

He added that now there is a new focus on getting youth into the forestry sector as the industry sees fewer people employed in the industry. He says that it is probably impacting the forestry sector as well.

“There are many areas that should be worked on with the governments such as focusing on education, training, less bureaucratic red tape in regards to the management plans, the caribou species risk and interprovincial sales of wood,” he said.

U.S. tariffs on construction materials have already added up to US$6,000 to the cost of building a home and could climb by an additional $14,000 by 2027 if current duties remain in place, according to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

NOMA continues to work with the Ontario Forest Industries Association, the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities and other industry stakeholders to urge all levels of government to prioritize a permanent resolution to the softwood lumber dispute and ensure the long-term stability of Ontario’s forest sector.

Courtesy: www.canadianbiomassmagazine.ca