A strong relationship of co-operation between British Columbia and California now sits in limbo, and BC minister of forests says the tariffs are going to put a bigger strain on both economies.
According to Ravi Parmar, both sides have enjoyed mutually beneficial trade policies and there is a lot at stake including jobs, infrastructure development and keeping costs affordable on both sides of the border.
“There’s no doubt our American partners need BC’s quality softwood products, and any tariff will simply increase the costs to build much-needed housing,” he says. “This is particularly true following the recent fires in Los Angeles.
“More than 16,000 homes and buildings were lost, an almost unimaginable tragedy.”
He says supplying BC lumber to those areas hit in Los Angeles is the only answer, but that will prove difficult if tariffs are imposed.
“BC can play a positive role in helping California rebuild after the devastating wildfires,” he says. “Rebuilding is only possible using BC wood, and unjustified tariffs and duties will only make recovery efforts more expensive and take longer.
“BC can help in this housing crisis, and we have a role in shaping the future of trade between our two counties.”
Parmar says he hopes they can continue the strong relationship that has brought the two countries together, while keeping jobs and stable markets on both sides.
