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last mo.

B.C. Premier Rebukes Ottawa Over Softwood’s Exclusion From Tariff Aid

The federal plan directs $1 billion in loans to metal exporters, routing forestry to a smaller regional fund.

Premier David Eby said he doesn't understand why Ottawa has failed to include B.C.'s softwood lumber industry in its latest round of tariff relief.
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Overview

  • Ottawa unveiled Monday a $1 billion loan program for steel, aluminum and copper firms, plus $500 million through regional agencies that forestry companies can apply to.
  • Premier David Eby said B.C.’s softwood sector was left out of the headline aid and called U.S. duties decimating, with combined rates reported above 35% and possibly nearing 45%.
  • Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said softwood duties are a different regime from the U.S. national security tariffs on metals and that regional agencies will handle forestry with similar loan terms under discussion.
  • The new Business Development Bank loans offer up to $50 million per company with no interest in the first year and lower rates in years two and three.
  • Eby also questioned federal support for a proposed Alberta pipeline that lacks a private proponent and opposed lifting B.C.’s North Coast tanker ban, with a July 1 deadline set for Alberta to file a proposal for review.