The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) and the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce are expressing deep concern following the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision on Friday to significantly increase anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber to 20.56%. This represents a dramatic escalation in trade barriers for a sector vital to Northwestern Ontario’s economy and future.
“Forestry is the economic lifeblood of communities across Northwestern Ontario,” said Rick Dumas, NOMA President. “This unjustified and protectionist action will have a direct and harmful impact on workers, families, Indigenous communities, and local economies throughout our region.”
This increase intensifies uncertainty for mills, contractors, and forestry-dependent municipalities—many of whom are facing significant ongoing economic challenges. Canadian lumber producers have faced unjust and punitive duties since the expiry of the last Softwood Lumber Agreement in 2016. The cumulative cost of these tariffs—now totalling over $10 billion CAD—has directly undermined investment, innovation, and the long-term viability of the sector.
Charla Robinson, President of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, added: “These rising duties threaten the stability of businesses and the livelihoods of thousands of people in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario. Our region relies on a strong, sustainable forestry sector. We urge all levels of government to work together to defend our interests and restore fair access to the U.S. market.”
NOMA and the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce call on the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to:
- Make the softwood lumber dispute an urgent national priority and engage with U.S. officials for a fair and timely resolution;
- Accelerate legal challenges under CUSMA/NAFTA and the WTO to overturn these punitive duties; and,
- Work in close partnership with forest-sector stakeholders to develop mitigation measures and economic supports that protect communities from further harm.
“We stand united with our forestry workers and industry partners,” added Dumas. “Fair and predictable access to the U.S. market is essential—not just for our region, but for the economic health of communities right across Canada.”