News release

Province Working toward Exclusion in Softwood Lumber Issue

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

NATURAL RESOURCES--Province Working toward Exclusion in Softwood Lumber Issue


Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage is assuring Nova Scotia lumber producers that the province is focusing all efforts on regaining an exemption from U.S. countervailing duties on softwood lumber.

In an extraordinary move, the United States Department of Commerce has provided Canada with a 15-day period to propose methods for exclusion in the countervailing duties and anti- dumping case.

"Over the next few days we will be working closely with the Maritime Lumber Bureau, legal counsel, the other Atlantic provinces and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to ensure that we get as close to the terms of the 1996 Maritime Accord as possible," said the minister. "It should be kept in mind that there are no subsidy allegations against our region so there are no grounds for seeking countervailing duties."

The Department of Commerce recognizes the legitimacy and need for exclusions as in the past and is open to suggested approaches. The minister said that the federal government remains confident of Atlantic Canada’s eventual exclusion from the countervailing duties.

On Monday, April 23, the Department of Commerce announced the initiation of antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on certain softwood lumber from Canada, including Nova Scotia and the other Atlantic provinces.

"While we are disappointed that we have been included in the investigation, we believe the outcome will be the same as in previous years, that we are fair and free traders and should be excluded from any action," said the minister.

Throughout this situation the Atlantic team--consisting of provincial premiers and trade and natural resources ministers-- has worked with industry representatives to deliver clear, consistent messages about this region’s goal for free trade in lumber. Seeking an extension of the Maritime Accord has been a leading priority for the provinces since the October 1999 meeting of the Council of Maritime Premiers in Stellarton.

The forestry industry employs about 22,000 people both directly and indirectly in Nova Scotia and is worth approximately $1.4 billion in shipments annually.