David Cohen

WHISTLER, BC — Premier David Eby spoke to U.S. Ambassador David Cohen to lobby for the lifting of tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber imports, while also being careful to avoid contentious discussions around the current state of political discourse south of the border. In February, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced it would be raising tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber from 8.05% to 13.86%. …“We’re coming up into setting new tariffs again on Canadian lumber producers, and the sector’s already under significant pressure due to record-low lumber prices. My hope was that his team could have a look at it and address the balance in our trade account.” …He told reporters at an unrelated news conference that the goal was to strengthen relationships with cross-border partners… and ensure that B.C.’s trade relationship with the U.S. remains in place regardless of the outcome of this November’s American election.

Related in CBC News (video): B.C. objects to U.S. plans to hike tariffs on Canadian lumber