Kevin Holland

THUNDER BAY — As Ontario’s associate minister of forestry and forest products, Kevin Holland said he has deep concerns over the recent U.S. decision to increase anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber to to 20.56. The minister warned that further tariff hikes could be imminent, with significant repercussions beyond Canada’s borders. “Right now it’s at 27% combined duty rate,” Holland explained. “We’re anticipating another announcement next week on the countervailing duties, which could raise it to as high as 35%.” “That’s going to impact on the affordability of homes, not just in Canada but in the United States,” he cautioned. “This is at the centre of my desk right now. It has been since I’ve landed in the file almost a year ago now,” Holland said. “This has been the focus of our ministry, to really address this.” …Importantly, said Holland, the World Trade Organization has ruled these tariffs illegal multiple times.