B.C.’s Ministry of Forests and the California Building Industry Association are engaged in talks to reaffirm cooperation and discuss US tariff threats, particularly against the softwood lumber industry.
Forest Minister Ravi Parmar said the province and California have historically maintained a strong, cooperative relationship.
“In California, wildfires have led to almost 20,000 structures being destroyed, particularly in Los Angeles,” said Parmar.
“The next few years are going to be critical for California. They face a housing crisis just like British Columbia, and they also have major events happening, similar to us, with the FIFA games next year and the Olympic Games in 2028.”
Parmar added the B.C. timber industry can be a major player in helping California recover.
“There is a role that British Columbia can play in helping to not only fight wildfires but also rebuild their communities. They know it’s a connection point they can make with their President and his administration,” said Parmar.
“I know the President wants to proudly host the Olympics in California, but he is going to have to deal with the impacts of his tariffs and the existing duties that have already placed a huge strain on B.C. and Canada’s softwood lumber.”
Currently, Canadian softwood lumber faces a 14 per cent duty on exports to the US, which could see a significant cost increase with the added 25 per cent tariff costs.
“We are predicting, with [President Donald] Trump’s tariffs and increased duties, we could be dealing with a 50 to 55 per cent tariff on softwood lumber leaving Canada for the United States,” said Parmar.
“Last year, we provided four billion board feet to California and the entire United States.”
Parmar mentioned that talks have been positive so far.
“In conversations I’ve had with Americans – whether Democrat or Republican – centring around Canada becoming the 51st state, I’ve made it very clear that British Columbians and Canadians have no interest in joining the United States,” said Parmar.
“Americans that I’ve talked to have said the president’s comments are silly and embarrassing and they want to ensure we have a strong working relationship into the future.”
Parmar will continue travelling across the US, with meetings planned in Florida and North Carolina – two Republican-held states that have been battered by hurricanes.
– with files from My East Kootenay Now staff
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