OTTAWA- Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo says she was pleased recently to second an Opposition motion focused on preventing a trade war over softwood lumber in the House of Commons.
The motion called on the government to recognize: that many high-quality, well-paying jobs in the forestry sector are now at risk due to the government’s lack of action, the House call upon the government to stop delaying and take all necessary steps to prevent a trade war that will threaten the livelihood of Canadian workers and communities.
“The Softwood Lumber Agreement expired on Oct. 12 and the Liberal government has failed to negotiate a new one, which has put almost 400,000 jobs across the country at risk,” said McLeod. “The U.S. Lumber Coalition has indicated that they are exploring their options to launch trade action against Canadian lumber, which cost the Canadian industry over $5 billion during the last dispute.”
“In response to this pending threat, the Conservative opposition has created a softwood lumber task force to hold the Liberal government accountable for solving the softwood lumber trade dispute,” stated McLeod. “They will be working with companies, workers and community leaders from coast to coast, petitioning those affected for their recommendations.”
“It’s clear to me that negotiating a new softwood lumber agreement has never been a priority for this government and now a year in office they have failed to get it done,” concluded McLeod.