Government of Canada announces task force on Softwood Lumber

Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources recently announced the creation of the Federal–Provincial Task Force on Softwood Lumber, which will share information and analysis to understand potential impacts and assess how to address the needs of affected workers and communities.

The new Federal–Provincial Task Force on Softwood Lumber will assess current federal and provincial programming and ensure coordination of government initiatives to promote innovation, market diversification and transformation of the forest sector.

Canada is the second largest exporter of primary forest products in the world, but it also imports wood and wood products. Most of these imports are associated with cross-border trade with the United States, which is also a low-risk jurisdiction for illegal harvesting. The forest products sector in Canada and the United States is highly integrated, with logs and other timber products crossing the border to supply mills in both countries.

Find information on Canada’s forests, innovation in the forest industry, forest fire monitoring as well as ongoing research efforts here.

As always, Livingston will continue to monitor the progress of discussions regarding the softwood lumber dispute between Canada and the United States, and we will keep you informed of any updates. Please visit our lumber page for updates.