Eric Johnson

Russ Taylor

Bruce St. John

Canada’s softwood lumber industry is welcoming a $1.2-billion federal support package that promotes diversifying the country’s trading partners as the trade war with the U.S. drags on, but officials caution that exporters cannot completely extricate themselves from their closest and largest market. …Resolving the long-running trade dispute with the U.S. remains a top priority, but the new measures will make sure mills keep operating and employees keep working, said Eric Johnson, the vice-president of federal government relations with the Forest Products Association of Canada. …However, Vancouver-based forestry analyst Russ Taylor said global market diversification is a long-term objective for an industry that is under pressure today. …Mr. Carney referenced Canada Wood Group for its success over the past two decades promoting wood-based construction in Asia, which lags North America in terms of that building method. …Bruce St. John, Canada Wood’s president, said he is optimistic after the Prime Minister’s comments. [A Globe and Mail subscription is required for full access]

Related content in the Campbell River Mirror by Robin Grant: Campbell River mayor calls for urgent action to support struggling B.C. forestry industry