Quebec forestry companies say they're worried former U.S. president Donald Trump's re-election will lead to more plants in the province closing.Posted: Nov 14, 2024 12:40 PM EST | Last Updated: 4 minutes ago
Forestry companies are already critical of paying a 14.54 per cent tax on lumber at the American border. Two of the company's plants will have to close indefinitely. The sawmills in Rivière-aux-Rats in Mauricie and those in Maniwaki in Outaouais will cease operations just before Christmas. More than 500 workers in the industry will be affected.
Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Quebec's miniser of natural resources, is part of the group of ministers Legault established to negotiate with the new Trump administration. Foresters estimate that $2 billion belonging to companies is stuck at customs because of U.S. tariffs. They want to recover the money, but in the meantime, they say they want loans from Quebec.
He also noted that taxing wood products, including pulp and paper exported to the United States, could significantly reduce the purchasing power of American households.