Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training Minister, Prince George-Valemount MLA, Shirley Bond again told Victoria the benefits of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
She says it’ll give forestry a big boost, especially in the Cariboo.
“Japan, VietTnam, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand currently have tariffs ranging between 2.6% and 40% on BC wood exports like spruce, pine and fir lumber, oriented strand board and plywood. These tariffs would be eliminated over time, making BC forestry products more affordable for buyers in member markets,” he says.
She says the international trade agreement would also be good for the Province’s mining sector.
“Most Trans-Pacific partnership member countries do not impose tariffs on metals and minerals but there are existing tariffs on commodities like iron ore and nickel. Those will be eliminated immediately in all member markets.”
The TPP could raise BC’s GDP by $325 million and make 2500 jobs.
Not everyone is on board with the agreement. Canadian businessman Jim Balsillie, Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, and two dozen Washington state Democrats are just a few who have spoken out against it.