B.C. creates lumber advisory council to help navigate U.S. tariffs amid trade dispute

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A new provincial advisory council has been created in an effort to “advance British Columbia’s interests” amid concerns surrounding trade disputes between Canada and the United States.

The newly-formed B.C. Softwood Lumber Advisory Council reportedly had its first meeting last week on January 30th.

The United States has imposed tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber for years, preceding the current president’s plans to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian lumber products.

That would be on top of the U.S.’ existing tariff rate for Canadian softwood lumber, which currently sits at 14.4 per cent.

The advisory council will now meet regularly in order to advise Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar on how to navigate the ongoing trade dispute and provide advice on steps Parmar can take to get the tariff rate reduced.

The council will also help the province advocate to the federal government for changes that benefit the softwood lumber industry.

“The U.S. forest industry alleges that Canadian softwood lumber is subsidized and companies sell in the U.S. at below-market prices,” Parmar said. 

“This is wrong; these allegations couldn’t be farther from the truth. We’ve been very clear that we’re happy to come to the table, but that can’t happen if the U.S. industry isn’t willing to negotiate.”

In addition to Parmar, who chairs the council, other members include former labour minister Harry Bains, United Steelworkers western director Scott Lunny, Unifor western regional director Gavin McGarrigle, and others.

B.C. softwood lumber accounts for nearly 10 per cent of lumber used to build American homes, and Canada is the U.S.’ largest source of forest product imports, making up 44 per cent in 2023.