New Brunswick announces efforts to fight for continued Atlantic tariff exemption
FREDERICTON — The New Brunswick government is calling for an immediate start to negotiations between Canada and the United States to ensure softwood lumber from Atlantic Canada is exempt from countervailing duties.
Provincial governments in the region have warned that the duties could lead to mill closures and lost jobs.
“New Brunswick and the Maritimes are not subsidizing the industry and we want to retain that status,” said Roger Melanson, New Brunswick’s minister responsible for trade policy.
He said the province will appoint a senior negotiator to represent New Brunswick’s interests in Ottawa and Washington on this issue.