Mr. Speaker, maritime softwood lumber producers are reeling from the impact the 12.6% anti-dumping duty will have on the economy and their livelihoods.
In situations reflected across this country, workers in the softwood lumber sector, already faced with hardships of an economic downturn, dare I say recession, are further curtailed by this unfair duty.
It is particularly unfair to Atlantic Canadians because, as Nova Scotia premier, John Hamm, has pointed out, the maritimes have always enjoyed unrestricted access to the U.S. market. Now that has changed. Not only are loggers affected, truckers, mill workers and others are all being negatively affected by this unfair duty, and all because of the political decision by this government not to defend Canada's interests.
The United States is dependent on affordable, accessible Canadian softwood lumber for its construction industry. Lumber companies from British Columbia to Nova Scotia have shown that they are fed up with the government's inaction. When are Canadians going to see this government stand up for Canada's interests?