Carney vows $1.2 billion bailout for lumber sector hit by Trump tariffs
Article content
Carney said Tuesday that up to $700 million in loan guarantees will help forestry companies of all sizes maintain and restructure their operations. He also pledged $500 million in grants and contributions for product development and market diversification.
Article content
Article content
'Canada does not dump lumber into the United States, and we will continue to make the case that these current and proposed duties are unjustified,' Carney said in West Kelowna, B.C.
Article content
Article content
'We are a vital supplier to our southern neighbour, representing around a quarter of the U.S. market and helping to keep down the costs of American homes.'
Article content
The dispute between the U.S. and Canada over softwood lumber stretches back decades, with the U.S. periodically imposing duties to counteract what it claims are unfair Canadian government subsidies.
Article content
The U.S. Commerce Department is expected on Friday to conclude hiking duties on Canadian softwood to about 35 per cent from a previous total of 14.4 per cent. That's a combination of anti-dumping and countervailing duties.
Article content
U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated the fight even further, ordering an increase to U.S. lumber production and an investigation of the national security risk of lumber imports. The probe is under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which Trump has already used to place new tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper.
Article content
Article content
Canada shipped $40.3 billion of forest products and building and packaging materials to the U.S. last year, its fifth-largest category of exports to its largest trading partner.
Article content
Article content
Carney said his government would launch its promised homebuilding agency, called Build Canada Homes, in the fall, which will prioritize Canadian lumber, steel and aluminum in construction.
Article content
It will also require companies contracting with the federal government to source domestic lumber.As well, the government will draft new initiatives to diversify international markets for Canadian lumber, along with retraining programs for workers, he said.
Article content
Canada has long denied the U.S. claim that it sets artificially low 'stumpage rates,' fees sawmills pay to provinces to harvest timber from government-owned forests.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Vancouver Sun
10 minutes ago
- Vancouver Sun
Canadians still supportive of letting in Ukrainian migrants fleeing war with Russia: poll
Almost three-and-a-half years after Russia invaded Ukraine, Canadians remain broadly supportive of taking in Ukrainian migrants fleeing their war-torn country, although there has been a drop in support. A new poll conducted by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies and the Metropolis Institute finds that 23 per cent of Canadians believe more Ukrainians should be brought to safety, while 40 per cent believe right number are coming. A further 23 per cent of poll respondents say that fewer Ukrainians should be brought to Canada. In February 2023, polling found that 43 per cent of Canadians said the country should keep doing what it's doing when it comes to welcoming Ukrainians, and 29 per cent said Canada should do more to resettle Ukrainian refugees. Just 16 per cent said Canada should do less. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'What you're seeing now is that some of the pushback on immigration that we've seen … is also impacting support for Ukrainian migration to Canada,' said Jack Jedwab, president of the Association for Canadian Studies. The war between Ukraine and Russia is well into its third year, despite pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to hammer out a ceasefire agreement. Trump has set a deadline of Friday for Russia to agree to peace, or else face a round of American sanctions. While ceasefire talks grind on, fighting continues across Ukraine. Russian missile strikes on Kyiv last month killed and injured dozens of Ukrainians. Reuters reported on Tuesday that Putin intends to capture the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson before seriously engaging in any peace talks. The number of Ukrainians seeking shelter in Canada has declined considerably, according to data compiled by the Association for Canadian Studies. In the years leading up to Putin's February 2022 invasion of his neighbour, there were around 2,000 Ukrainians emigrating to Canada each year. That increased considerably after the invasion. In 2022, 78,360 came to Canada. In 2023, it was 103,350 and in 2024, 111,960 moved to Canada under the International Mobility Program. In the first quarter of 2024, 66,720 Ukrainians came to Canada. But in the first quarter of 2025, only 21,110 Ukrainians arrived — a nearly 69-per-cent drop compared to the first quarter of 2024. Those aged between 18 and 24, at 13 per cent, are the least likely to believe that Canada should decrease the number of Ukrainians coming to the country, while 30 per cent of those between the ages of 35 and 64 believe there should be fewer Ukrainians coming to Canada. Thirty-three per cent of those in Manitoba and Saskatchewan believe fewer Ukrainians should be given temporary visas — the highest proportion in the country. In neighbouring Alberta, only 22 per cent hold that view, as do 25 per cent of British Columbians, 23 per cent of Ontarians, 21 per cent of Quebecers and 18 per cent of Atlantic Canadians. Those in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, at 17 per cent, are least likely to say Canada should accept more Ukrainians, while 32 per cent of Atlantic Canadians believe we should. Canadians are somewhat more skeptical of temporary workers; only 12 per cent say Canada should allow more temporary workers into the country, while 41 per cent say the numbers should stay the same and 34 per cent said fewer should be allowed into the country. Temporary foreign workers, according to Statistics Canada, may hold permits for work, study or other purposes; as of 2021, there were roughly 845,000 temporary foreign workers in Canada. Those who favour increases in temporary foreign workers are more likely to support more Ukrainians coming to Canada, the polling found. Forty-nine per cent of those who support more TFWs also support more Ukrainians, while 48 per cent who say they want fewer TFWs also want fewer Ukrainians. '(The) net meaning of this is or net implication is some of the pushback we're seeing in immigration, both permanent and temporary, is spilling over,' said Jedwab. 'Before the pushback on immigration, there was really, really large scale support across the country for admitting those Ukrainians. Now, you're seeing some slippage, because it's sort of aligning a bit with the overall pushback on immigration.' Support for accepting Ukrainians into the country is higher among those who say they have a good understanding of the conflict. Forty-one per cent of those who say they have a 'very good' understanding of Putin's invasion of Ukraine say Canada should increase its intake of Ukrainians, while 36 per cent of them say the number should remain the same. Just 18 per cent of those who say they have a very good understanding believe that fewer Ukrainians should come to Canada. In contrast, those who say they have 'barely any' understanding are far more likely to support reductions in the numbers of Ukrainians coming to Canada: 34 per cent say there should be fewer, compared to just 10 per cent who said Canada's intake should be increased. 'There's an important relationship between people being sensitized to what actually is going on right now and their openness to Ukrainian migration,' said Jedwab. Those who believe that Canada is not doing enough are also more likely to say Canada should take more Ukrainian migrants. Fifty-one per cent who say Canada's support should be increased also say Canada should take in more Ukrainians, and 38 per cent say the intake should remain the same. Just seven per cent say there should be fewer Ukrainians coming to Canada. When it comes to those who think Canada is striking the right balance on Ukraine, 52 per cent say the number of temporary permits issued should remain the same, while 26 per cent say more should be brought in and 15 per cent say there should be fewer. More than half of those who believe Canada is doing too much to support Ukraine — 55 per cent — say that fewer Ukrainians should be allowed into Canada, while just 11 per cent say more should be brought to Canada and 27 per cent say the numbers should remain the same. The online poll was conducted by Leger Marketing among 1,511 respondents in Canada between June 6 and June 8, 2025. A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample in a panel survey for comparison purposes. A probability sample of 1,511 respondents in Canada would have a margin of error of ±2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Toronto Sun
10 minutes ago
- Toronto Sun
BATRA'S BURNING QUESTIONS: Failing grade for Prime Minister Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney is seen ahead of the Metis Major Projects Summit at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society in Ottawa, on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby WATCH: As Canada falls behind on immigration, trade and the economy, Sun Editor-in-Chief Adrienne Batra talks with political columnists Warren Kinsella and Brian Lilley on how Prime Minister Mark Carney got it wrong. What do YOU think? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below or send us a Letter to the Editor for possible publication to . Letters must be 250 words or less and signed. And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Toronto Blue Jays Sunshine Girls Editorials Sunshine Girls Toronto & GTA
Winnipeg Free Press
10 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Faith leaders rally to support immigrants facing deportation in Southern California
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — Outside a Southern California immigration court, the Rev. Oona Casanova Vazquez sat beside a nervous Peruvian national as he waited for a judge to call his name — talking, smiling, even handing him a mint. Vazquez, lead pastor of the South Bay Church of the Nazarene in Torrance, has been spending her Thursdays this summer with other faith leaders and church volunteers observing court proceedings and handing out leaflets about the Trump administration's immigration enforcement. 'I come here to stand and bear witness to these people who have more courage than I have,' she said. 'They walk through these doors knowing they could be detained. I'm here to offer them strength and to let them know they are valued and prayed over.' Since early June, the Trump administration has significantly ramped up immigration arrests and raids, especially in Southern California, taking people into custody at businesses, farms and public spaces like parking lots. Fear has spread in the region's immigrant communities, especially among those without legal status. Many faith leaders and groups — including the Catholic Church, which has millions of adherents in the region — have come out in support. While clergy in collars have registered a moral presence and show of support in the courts, numerous churches and nonprofits have mobilized to deliver food and medicine to those afraid to leave their homes. Some churches are offering rent assistance to members who have lost or quit their jobs out of fear. Congregations are streaming worship services so people won't need to take a risk by coming to services, which are no longer immune from immigration raids. Department of Homeland Security officials have maintained there will be no safe spaces for those who are in the country illegally, have committed crimes, or tried to undermine immigration enforcement. They have consistently said their efforts are intended to safeguard public safety and national security. People in the country illegally can avoid arrest taking the government's offer of $1,000 and a free flight to their home country, said department spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin. 'We encourage every person here illegally to use the CBP Home app and take advantage of this offer and preserve the opportunity to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream,' she said. Offering support in immigration court Clergy say the immigrants they are seeing in immigration court are not criminals, but working people trying to follow the process and protect their families. The Rev. Terry LePage, a member of Irvine United Congregational Church in Orange County, said she has seen people whose cases have been dismissed get immediately picked up by immigration officials in courthouse hallways and taken away in vans. 'You see a family broken up, a life go down the drain in front of your eyes,' she said. 'I cry a lot these days. But I know I am where God needs me to be. I'm able to bear this pain, which is very small compared to theirs.' Laura Siriani, archdeacon with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, led a midday prayer vigil outside the courthouse July 31. About 25 people participated. 'When we can pray together and learn about what's happening to our neighbors, it energizes us,' she said. 'We have to speak out and be the voice of those who have none.' Jennifer Coria, an immigration organizer with Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, a group that holds prayer vigils across Southern California, trains pastors and lay leaders in 'what to do and what not to do' in court and how to relay information from detainees to loved ones, she said. Coria said the volunteers don't ask people how they came into the country; their goal is simply to support individuals trying navigate the system. The Rev. Scott Santarosa, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, helped start an interfaith program in the Diocese of San Diego called Faithful Accompaniment In Trust and Hope to support migrants seeking asylum. He said volunteers, including himself, feel 'gutted' and helpless as they see people being arrested in the hallways and taken away. In his 2,300-strong parish, where six of seven Masses are in Spanish, the priest estimates that up to 40% of worshippers may be in the country illegally. Santarosa takes inspiration from the story of Christ rescuing the Apostle Peter when his faith wavers, he said. 'We're being asked to do the impossible,' he said. 'No one likes to be powerless. But we are being asked by the Spirit to come and stand with people in this difficult moment and be powerless with them.' At Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Church in the Coachella Valley, about 7,000 gather for Mass every weekend. The Rev. Francisco Gomez says about 20% of his parish members are in the U.S. without legal status; some have been for decades, and have children and grandchildren. He worries about parishioners becoming isolated because of fear. They're within the Diocese of San Bernardino, where Bishop Albert Rojas gave parishioners a dispensation from attending Mass after immigration detentions on two properties. Gomez wants to let the community know 'the church is not going away.' 'We're here. What happens to any one of us is going to happen to all of us.' Helping with food and other essentials Last month, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles launched its Family Assistance Program to deliver groceries, meals, medicine and other essentials. Monsignor Timothy Dyer, pastor of the largely-Latino St. Patrick Catholic Church in South Los Angeles, helped start the program, which is helping about 150 families with essentials such as rent, food, diapers and toilet paper. 'The community is rallying around these people,' he said. 'This is what a church ought to be.' Pastor Ara Torosian, who ministers to Farsi speakers at Cornerstone Church of West Los Angeles, a multiethnic Protestant congregation, came to the U.S. in 2005 as a refugee after being arrested for smuggling Bibles into Iran. He said he came through Catholic Charities and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society programs, which have been gutted under the Trump administration, leaving no legal pathways for religious minorities fleeing persecution in Iran. Torosian's congregants were among those detained in a wave of immigration arrests after the Iran-Israel war in June. The pastor said his congregants came as asylum-seekers under the Biden administration and had work permits. While a couple he had baptized and married in his church were arrested at their home, another family — a couple and their young daughter — were arrested during an immigration court appearance. The couple remains in detention awaiting Farsi translators, but the family of three was released with ankle monitors, Torosian said. 'We were all in tears when they came back to the Sunday service,' he said. The pastor is raising money to help these families with rent while their cases proceed. He worries about keeping up the rent assistance, given his church's limited resources, and is asking members living in the U.S. without legal status not to come to church. Sundays Kevin Rollason's Sunday newsletter honouring and remembering lives well-lived in Manitoba. 'This is heartbreaking in a country like America,' he said. 'We are praying that the situation will change.' ___ Associated Press video journalist Krysta Fauria in Los Angeles contributed reporting. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
