Peace River and Westlock MP Arnold Viersen is raising concerns about the impact of U.S. softwood lumber tariffs on forestry companies and communities across northern Alberta, including the Slave Lake area.
Viersen and Gaétan Malette, Conservative associate shadow minister for natural resources, released a joint statement Aug. 18 calling on the federal government to negotiate a new softwood lumber agreement with the United States.
The statement names several forestry companies within the Peace River – Westlock riding that could be affected by tariffs, including Slave Lake-area employer Vanderwell Contractors.
Other companies named include High Prairie Forest Products, Millar Western Forest Products, Blue Ridge Lumber, Tolko, Boucher Bros.
Lumber, Evergreen Lumber and La Crete Sawmills.
Viersen and Malette say Canadian softwood lumber tariffs have increased to more than 45 per cent.
“In many communities these companies are not simply employers, they are the economic lifeline of the entire town,” they say in the news release.
The statement comes following Canfor’s announcement that it will permanently close its Fox Creek sawmill, affecting 74 jobs.
Canfor cited United States tariffs and weak market conditions affecting the mill’s productivity and competitiveness.
The statement also points to West Fraser’s closure of its High Level oriented strand board mill in April, which affected approximately 190 workers.
According to Viersen and Malette, Alberta’s forestry sector directly employs about 17,500 people and indirectly supports nearly 24,000 additional jobs.
They say mill closures can have effects beyond forestry workers, including impacts on local businesses, families and municipal revenues.
Viersen and Malette are calling for a new softwood lumber agreement with the United States and additional support for Canada’s forestry industry.
“Thousands of families in Alberta and across Canada depend on the government getting this right,” says in the release.
“Their jobs, communities and futures are at stake.”
Julia Magsombol
Lakeside Leader