Susan Yurkovich

A group representing lumber businesses across the province is still going to put up a fight against the U.S.’s plan to implement taxes on softwood lumber despite levies being slightly reduced on Thursday. The Council of Forest Industries (COFI) is disappointed and ready to fight. Even a lower duty still hits the B.C. industry hard, president and CEO Susan Yurkovich said. “Uncertainty and constraining our ability to invest in our plants, our mills and equipment are two of the things that are immediate regardless of where the lumber market is at,” she said. For the time being, she said the industry here is not at risk from the punitive measures. …Yurkovich said COFI will appeal through the North American Free Trade Agreement and the World Trade Organization.