‘Our exports are critical’: Former N.B. premier says lumber industry crucial for province

Former New Brunswick premier Shawn Graham talks about tariffs and trade.

A former New Brunswick premier says support for the province’s softwood lumber industry amid U.S. tariffs is crucial for safeguarding the economy and public services.

Shawn Graham, who served as New Brunswick premier from 2006 to 2010, said the forestry sector is “one of the largest economic generators” in the province.

“Our exports are critical,” he told CTV News Atlantic’s Todd Battis on Monday. “Hopefully we’ll be able to keep our industry afloat.”

In October, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed an additional 10 per cent tariff on softwood lumber, bringing the total to 45 per cent.

On Monday, current New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said she and other provincial leaders had a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney where he indicated the softwood lumber industry could receive a package from the federal government.

Ottawa has also indicated it will be investing heavily in New Brunswick when it added the Sisson Mine to its list of nation-building projects. Carney said the mine will produce tungsten, which will allow Canada to supply steel for manufacturing and defence.

“All signs are moving in the right direction with this mine,” Graham said. “Thirty years ago mining, accounted for close to seven per cent of our GDP; today it’s 0.5.

“Fredericton is home to many mining engineers through the University of New Brunswick. There’s a great chance for success because we have the human resource capacity to make sure it’s done safely. We’re blessed with those resources.”

Graham noted the influx of economic activity could help New Brunswick tackle hefty provincial bills such as health care.

“We need to develop our resources to pay for our services,” he said.

-With files from The Canadian Press

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