OTTAWA – In response to the United States\u2019 plan to significantly hike tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber\u2014reportedly up to 34.45%\u2014the Green Party of Canada is calling for the immediate development of a Federal Strategic Reserve of softwood lumber and other essential resources to protect Canadian interests, stabilize prices, and revitalize domestic industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proposed U.S. tariff hike follows a 2023 increase from 8.05% to 14.54%, and would be a devastating blow to Canadian forestry workers. U.S. President Donald Trump has continued to claim that the United States does not need Canadian lumber, despite clear evidence of supply shortages and housing crises in both countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEnough is enough,\u201d said Jonathan Pedneault, Green Party co-leader. \u201cCanada must stop being held hostage by unfair U.S. trade practices. It\u2019s time we focused on building resilience at home\u2014by keeping our lumber here, using it to address our housing crisis, and investing in Canadian jobs, not U.S. corporate profits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Green Party is urging the federal government to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“American forest industries have pressed for tariffs against Canada – and generally succeeded, in getting White House after White House to violate trade agreements with Canada,\u201d said Elizabeth May, co-leader of the Green Party. \u201cWhether on shakes and shingles in the 80s or dimension lumber, forest products are a long-time trade irritant. The Trump trade wars have escalated the threat. Canada cannot stand for this abuse and the damage it poses to forest industry dependent communities and workers.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Green Party also called for a national conversation about value-added forestry, moving away from raw exports and toward a future of sustainable, community-led forestry that respects Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPublic lands must serve the public good,\u201d added Pedneault. \u201cIt\u2019s time for industrial logging companies profiting from Canada\u2019s natural resources to give back to the people whose forests they harvest\u2014starting with fair taxation, local reinvestment, and Indigenous partnership.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Green Party\u2019s plan builds on its broader vision for a just transition that supports workers, strengthens domestic supply chains and ensures a future of climate-safe housing and economic justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information or to arrange an interview : <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fabrice Lachance Nov\u00e9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Press secretary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 514-463-0021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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