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Dear Prime Minister Carney,
On behalf of the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC), I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to you and the Liberal Party of Canada on your recent electoral victory. Your appointment as Prime Minister marks a pivotal moment for our country, and we look forward to the leadership and vision you will bring to the role.
As a proudly independent, democratic Canadian union, the PPWC represents workers in various sectors, most notably in forestry, which remains a vital economic engine for countless communities. We broke away from an American- based union decades ago to ensure Canadian workers had a truly autonomous voice within our own borders, and our commitment to Canadian sovereignty and democratic principles remains foundational to our union to this day.
I write today to express our deep and ongoing concern regarding the long-standing softwood lumber dispute with the United States. The tariffs imposed on Canadian softwood exports are not only unjustified, but have caused significant economic hardship for forestry workers and their families across the country. These measures continue to threaten job security, hinder investment, and destabilize entire communities that depend on a healthy and vibrant forestry sector.
We understand that resolving this dispute is no simple task, but after decades of contention, Canadian workers deserve clarity, fairness, and strong advocacy from their federal government. We respectfully ask: how does your government plan to address this critical issue moving forward, and what steps will be taken to ensure that Canadian forestry workers are protected from these recurring, damaging trade actions?
The PPWC stands ready and willing to work with you and your government not only on this matter, but on any issue that affects the rights, livelihoods, and well-being of working Canadians. We hope to engage constructively with your office and with the appropriate ministers as we collectively navigate the challenges ahead.
Once again, congratulations on your successful election. We wish you and your team every success in the important work of serving all Canadians.
Respectfully yours,
Geoff Dawe
President, Public and Private Workers of Canada
