Executive Council

Fisheries and Land Resources

November 2, 2017

Softwood Lumber Agreement Benefits Province’s Lumber Producers

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased with today’s decision by the United States Department of Commerce that Newfoundland and Labrador would be excluded from any tariffs on softwood lumber produced in this province.

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources continues to sit on the federal-provincial task force on softwood lumber given the importance of this industry in Canada.

In 2016, Newfoundland and Labrador exported $5 billion in goods to the United States accounting for close to 60 per cent of all goods exported from the province. Of this, $10.5 million was from the softwood lumber industry.

Quotes

“We have worked very closely with our Atlantic counterparts and the Federal Government to advocate on behalf of the softwood lumber industry. Our government’s advocacy will continue on behalf of our industries as we strategically position Newfoundland and Labrador in the Canada-United States trade relationship.”

Honourable Dwight Ball

Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Our government welcomes the elimination of the countervailing duties and potential anti-dumping charges on timber exports to the United States. Unrestricted access to these traditional markets is important for the future of our province’s lumber industry and will lead to positive growth and new market opportunities for forest products produced in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Honourable Gerry Byrne

Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources

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Learn More

United States Department of Commerce - www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/softwood_lumber_canada_ad_cvd_final_fact_sheet.pdf

News release on task force for softwood lumber www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/ffa/0426n04.aspx

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @FLR_GovNL

Media contact

Michelle Cannizzaro

Office of the Premier

709-729-3960

michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca



Craig Renouf

Fisheries and Land Resources

709-637-2284, 632-8167

craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca

2017 11 02 2:40 p.m.