Ottawa, ON – Today, the Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, sent a letter to Prime Minister Carney demanding he take part in an emergency debate on softwood lumber tariffs happening this evening:
Prime Minister,
Since you took office promising to be a “master negotiator,” “handle Donald Trump,” and negotiate a “win,” tariffs on softwood lumber have more than tripled to 45.16 per cent – the highest in Canadian history.
These failures have real, destructive consequences for workers across the country. In Ear Falls, 150 union workers were laid off when the town’s sawmill shut down. At the Les Chantiers de Chibougamau ltée mill in Val-d’Or, 162 were laid off. Another 150 lost their jobs at Western Forest Products in BC, and 165 more in 100 Mile House.
These stories repeat across the country, show no sign of slowing down, and are devastating communities across Canada. In fact, since you took office, softwood lumber production across Canada has cratered.
Affected families can no longer wait while bills pile up and mortgage payments are due.
In light of the unbearable situation for our sawmill and woodworkers, Conservatives forced the Liberals to agree on a debate in the House of Commons on the softwood lumber tariffs.
I checked your itinerary and you are free tonight.
Prime Minister, one of Canada’s foundational sectors is at risk of collapse. Jobs are disappearing and Canadians are suffering. Will you join me to debate on this emergency issue, or do you just not care?