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Quebec to support softwood lumber producers, with or without the feds

Dec. 12, 2016 - The Quebec government announced its plans to support Canadian softwood lumber producers in the event of imposed U.S. duties, regardless of what decision the federal government makes.

The softwood lumber dispute has left many Canadian producers worried about what effect the U.S. government's possible decision to apply taxes to lumber being exported from Canada to the U.S., will have on their jobs and businesses.

The Canadian Press reported on Thursday that Quebec Premier Phillipe Couillard confirmed his government's stance to provide Canadian lumber companies with loan guarantees should the need arise.

The 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement expired on Oct. 12, 2015, leaving Canadian and American government officials meeting to come to a new agreement.

If negotiation talks fail, new taxes may be imposed by the U.S. government starting in April 2017.

December 12, 2016  By  Tamar Atik