National

B.C. forests minister says Trump tariffs could be 'devastating' to sector

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 15 Jan, 2025 04:03 PM

B.C.'s Forests Minister Ravi Parmar says U.S. softwood lumber duties and president-elect Donald Trump's threatened tariffs could be "devastating" to the province's forestry sector.

He says the province needs to bring a "team B.C. and a team Canada" approach to fighting the duties.

Parmar, speaking in Prince George where the government announced $5.1 million in capital support for the forest sector, says the federal government needs to step up and help the industry get back on its feet in B.C.

Today, @Diana_Gibson_BC and I announced the Government of BC is investing $5.1M from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund towards seven forest-sector capital projects and five planning projects in communities throughout the province. pic.twitter.com/5dAd0P0mtB
— Ravi Parmar (@rparmar_BC) January 15, 2025

The funding announcement, through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, aims to support seven capital projects as well as five planning projects.

B.C.'s timber industry has suffered numerous mill closures in recent years, involving the loss of thousands of jobs.

Jobs Minister Diana Gibson says diversifying the economy is a way of fighting back against the threat of U.S. tariffs by making the province less reliant on north-south trade.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Liberal GST holiday expected to pass soon as government introduces solo bill

The Liberal government introduced a stand-alone bill to implement its proposed GST holiday Wednesday, hours after the NDP threatened it would not pass the legislation if it was linked to a $250 rebate for working Canadians. The bill would give people a two-month GST exemption on items like premade food at grocery stores, children's clothes, toys, some alcoholic beverages and other holiday season staples.

Liberal GST holiday expected to pass soon as government introduces solo bill

Significant snowfall for parts of BC

Environment Canada says a "series of upper disturbances combining with cold arctic air" will result in significant snowfall to parts of B-C's northern and central Interior. It says up to 25 centimetres of snow is expected in the region by tomorrow afternoon.

Significant snowfall for parts of BC

BC Place to be fenced off for Taylor Swift shows, with zone limited to ticket holders

Vancouver officials say areas around BC Place stadium will be strictly limited to ticket holders for Taylor Swift's three Eras Tour shows that begin next week, as they announce preparations for what they say will be one of the biggest event weekends in the city's history. Police, city, stadium and transport officials say 160,000 fans have tickets for the shows on Dec. 6, 7 and 8, and up to 40 per cent are international travellers.

BC Place to be fenced off for Taylor Swift shows, with zone limited to ticket holders

Poilievre calls two-month GST break inflationary, says Tories will vote against it

The two-month measure applies to dozens of items commonly purchased over the holidays, including children's clothes and toys, video games and consoles, Christmas trees, restaurant and catered meals, wine, beer, candy and snacks. Poilievre, a vocal advocate for cutting taxes, said the GST break "isn't a tax cut."

Poilievre calls two-month GST break inflationary, says Tories will vote against it

Canada didn't live up to its values on immigration in recent years, Carney says

Canada didn't live up to its values on immigration over the last few years as it allowed more people into the country than it could absorb, said former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney. Carney, who is a special adviser to the Liberal party, made the comments at an event on Wednesday in Ottawa held by Cardus, a Christian think tank.

Canada didn't live up to its values on immigration in recent years, Carney says

Trump's tariffs would devastate auto sector, raise consumer costs: Industry leaders

Auto industry leaders say U.S. president-elect Donald Trump'sthreat of tariffs on Canadian goods would have devastating effects for the sector, forcing both Canadian and U.S. consumers to pay higher vehicle prices.