To the Editor,
For too long, all sectors of Canada’s forest industry have struggled to adapt to a changing global market, challenging softwood lumber agreements with the U.S, increased competition from emerging markets, and a lack of investment in the industry. Plant closures and job losses have mounted and raw log exports have soared.
The industry has struggled because consecutive federal governments have not understood how to resolve softwood lumber issues with the U.S. Canada must retain and expand manufacturing and processing jobs, and government policies have failed to achieve that.
Canada’s forest industry is ready for change. We are ready for strong federal leadership that understands the value the jobs, products and innovation we create. That’s why I’m pleased to see Tom Mulcair and Canada’s NDP stepping forward with a strong plan to address the challenges facing the forest industry and the job losses in the last decade.
Canada’s forest industry needs strong federal leadership. And in this election, the NDP has put forward positive measures that will help forest communities to revitalize the industry.
Rick Doman,
retired pres. and CEO, EACOM Timber