Federal officials were recently in the Whitecourt region to tour the local forestry industry and other businesses.
On July 15, Peace River—Westlock MP Arnold Viersen hosted MP Randy Hoback, as Hoback conducts a series of roundtables and town halls across the country for the CUSMA 2026 review, and as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens further tariffs.
Hoback said the tour is meant to help the Conservative caucus “better understand the opportunities and challenges shaping Canada’s economy and our trade relationship with the United States.”
He also called the forestry industry a critical part of Canada’s resource economy.
While visiting the region, Viersen and Hoback met with Whitecourt Mayor Ray Hilts and the Whitecourt Chamber of Commerce, and visited the Millar Western Forest pulp mill, the Canfor sawmill and the Blue Ridge West Fraser MDF mill.
“This was a great opportunity to highlight the hardworking folks in the forestry industry, our natural resources, vibrant small businesses and the spirit of Alberta,” said Viersen. “With the ongoing trade talks and increasing tariffs, we need to ensure that the forestry industry is well represented and supported.”
Viersen added that all parties need to work together to prevent the tariffs scheduled to go into effect on Aug. 19.
Meantime, the Forest Products Association of Canada says the Trump administration’s latest tariff onslaught will hurt Canadian workers.
The association is also warning the move will undermine efforts south of the border to build new affordable homes by driving up the costs of building products.
That’s because the Canadian industry had already been dealing with long-standing duties on softwood lumber when an additional 10 per cent tariff was imposed on certain softwood lumber products last year.
C-I-B-C analysts say lumber won’t be subject to the new 50 per cent tariffs, but that a range of plywood, fibreboard, particleboard and veneered panel products will likely take a hit.
(With files from The Canadian Press)
