More stability in lumber industry key to ‘weather this storm’: N.B. Forest Products Commission

The leader of the Forest Products Commission spoke with New Brunswick MLAs on Thursday.

The head of the New Brunswick Forest Products Commission was in front of a legislative committee Thursday, answering MLA’s questions about the state of the industry.

The commission is a liaison of sorts between the provincial government, saw and pulp mills and wood marketing boards.

Tim Fox acknowledged the Commission has been working to try and help the industry through challenging times, but he said everyone has to work together to weather the current storm.

“There’s obviously our sawmills who are impacted by the tariff situation and that has spilled over into the private woodlot sector as well,” he told CTV Atlantic after the meeting. “So there’s a ton of challenges out there. And markets are not great on top of that.”

The Commission has seven members representing the three pillars of the industry.

Private producers have recently expressed frustration over how little support there’s been for woodlot owners to help them through the ongoing U.S. tariff situation.

Countervailing and anti-dumping duties on softwood are almost a decade old, but U.S. President Donald Trump added another 10 per cent in the fall, bringing tariff totals to 45 per cent.

It’s tough to predict what 2026 holds for the industry, but Fox feels there isn’t a single solution.

“Trying to find some ways to build stability into the system, that’s probably the big thing,” he said. “Obviously if our federal government is in a position and they’re able to negotiate some kind of settlement, with the softwood lumber issue, that would help. But, you know, it’s just so uncertain right now.”

The standing committee on public accounts continues until Feb. 13.

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