SoVote

Hon. Diane Lebouthillier (Minister of National Revenue, Lib.)

Dec/7/21 5:49:22 p.m.
Watch
Re: Bill C-3

Madam Speaker, an agreement could not be reached under the provisions of Standing Orders 78(1) and 78(2) with respect to the second reading stage of Bill C‑3, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code. Under the provisions of Standing Order 78(3), I give notice that a minister of the Crown will propose at the next sitting a motion to allot a specific number of days or hours for the consideration and disposal of proceedings at the said stage.

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Context: House Hansard - 12 - Dec/7/21

Hon. Diane Lebouthillier (Minister of National Revenue, Lib.)

Dec/7/21 10:38:31 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, the softwood lumber industry is a priority for the Government of Canada. This industry is the economic backbone of many communities across the country and is a key part of Canada's forestry sector that contributed more than $25 billion to the GDP in 2020 and employed nearly 185,000 workers. We can be proud of our softwood lumber industry, and our government is a strong advocate for its interests. I must say that Canada is particularly disappointed that the United States decided to unfairly increase the tariffs it imposes on most Canadian softwood lumber producers. These unjust tariffs are hurting Canadian communities, businesses and workers. My colleague, the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, was in Washington last week to meet with U.S. congressional leaders and stakeholders to advocate for Canadian interests and to raise issues of concern regarding softwood lumber. On November 18, the Prime Minister also spoke to the U.S. President about this matter. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also laid out Canada's position in her meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State on November 12. Meanwhile, senior Canadian officials have been conveying this message to their American counterparts at every opportunity. I can assure the member that we are working tirelessly with the U.S. government to arrive at a positive solution to this conflict. We remain convinced that a negotiated settlement is not only possible but in the best interests of both countries. As a Quebec minister, I am shocked that one of our businesses, Resolute Forest Products, is being charged combined duties that are higher than what other companies are being charged. That is just not acceptable. Canada is asking the United States to stop charging these unfair and unjustified tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber products, but the United States has shown no interest in serious discussions to find a mutually acceptable solution. Finally, I wish to reiterate that the Government of Canada will continue to vigorously defend Canada's softwood lumber industry by seeking recourse under chapter 19 of NAFTA and chapter 10 of CUSMA and through the World Trade Organization. In the past, neutral and independent tribunals ruled that the U.S. allegations were unfounded, and we firmly believe that the same thing will happen this time.

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Context: House Hansard - 12 - Dec/7/21

Hon. Diane Lebouthillier

Dec/7/21 10:42:30 p.m.
Watch

Madam Speaker, over the last six years, hundreds of thousands of Canadian jobs have been threatened each time, and we have taken action accordingly. Our position is very clear. No, and I mean no, duties should be imposed on Canadian softwood lumber exports. We will continue to work closely with forestry workers and stakeholders, and I want to reassure them that we will always be there to defend their interests, their families and their communities. I want to emphasize that we will continue to challenge and press our U.S. counterparts to rescind this unfair and unwarranted trade action.

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