Ontario is pushing back against the United States’ plan to raise softwood lumber duties on Canadian exports, calling the move harmful and unjustified.
In a joint statement released on April 5, Associate Minister of Forestry Kevin Holland and Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli said the higher tariffs will not only hurt Ontario’s forest industry but will also increase homebuilding costs for Americans.
“Ontario is deeply disappointed,” said Holland. “These unjustified and punitive measures will raise construction costs and further strain housing affordability for American families.”
Ontario’s softwood lumber industry supports more than 137,000 jobs and generated nearly $23 billion in revenue in 2022. Officials said Ontario’s lumber is sustainably harvested and meets the highest quality standards.
Fedeli added that trade barriers hurt both sides of the border.
“Ontario’s softwood lumber producers deliver high-quality and sustainably harvested building materials that support jobs, communities, and economic growth on both sides of the border,” he said.
The province continues to call for the complete removal of the tariffs and remains committed to fair trade and cross-border co-operation.
“Ontario continues to support the Canadian forest industry and free trade between our two countries,” the statement concluded.
Ontario said it will keep standing up for forestry workers and the economic future of the sector.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)