FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2025
Vancouver, British Columbia – The Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC) is applauding Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent announcement of a $1.2 billion support package for Canada’s softwood lumber industry. The federal funding, designed to protect thousands of Canadian jobs and communities from the latest wave of aggressive and unjust U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump, is being hailed by the union as a vital lifeline for working people and a powerful affirmation of national sovereignty.
PPWC National President Geoff Dawe welcomed the federal government’s action.
“This is the kind of leadership Canadian workers deserve,” said Dawe. “Prime Minister Carney is sending a clear message to the White House and to all Canadians: we will not be bullied, and we will not let working people pay the price for Trump’s trade tantrums.”
For decades, workers in Canada’s forestry sector have faced recurring battles over softwood lumber with our southern neighbour. These disputes have often resulted in job losses, mill closures, and community decline—not because of any failure on the part of Canadian workers or producers, but because of politically motivated protectionism from successive U.S. governments. Trump’s most recent round of punitive tariffs, once again targeting Canadian lumber with baseless accusations of unfair subsidies, is nothing short of economic warfare.
The PPWC represents thousands of unionized workers across British Columbia and beyond—many of whom depend directly or indirectly on a healthy forestry and pulp and paper industry. As mills in communities from Prince George to Powell River have felt the sting of past tariff disputes, the union is standing tall in defense of jobs, fair trade, and Canadian independence.
“For too long, we’ve been playing defense. With this funding, we’re finally fighting back,” said PPWC First Vice President Chuck LeBlanc. “We’re not just propping up mills—we’re investing in people, in skills, in sustainability, and in the future of our communities.”
The $1.2 billion in federal support will include up to $700 million in loan guarantees and an additional $500 million for product development and export diversification. This multifaceted approach, according to PPWC, is exactly what’s needed—not only to respond to the immediate threat posed by Trump’s tariffs, but to strengthen the long-term resiliency of the Canadian forestry sector.
PPWC President Geoff Dawe emphasized the union is proud to stand alongside the federal government in a time of crisis, provided that working people remain at the heart of every policy decision.
“We’re not asking for handouts—we just want trade fairness,” Dawe said. “This industry is part of our national identity, and it belongs to workers who have dedicated their lives to it. We’re glad to see a government that understands that.”
The PPWC also pointed to the hypocrisy and bad faith of Trump’s trade tactics. While Canadian workers are being targeted with tariffs and accusations of unfair subsidies, American lumber barons continue to benefit from massive corporate tax breaks and exploitative labour practices. The union believes it is time for Canada to push back decisively against what it sees as a long-standing pattern of economic coercion.
“Trump doesn’t care about fair trade—he cares about optics and profits,” said LeBlanc. “We will not let our members be used as political pawns in his war on Canadian workers. This support package is the beginning of a new chapter—one where Canada stands firm.”
The union is urging all levels of government to work closely with labour organizations, First Nations, and affected communities to ensure that the funding is implemented equitably, transparently, and in a way that maximizes its impact for everyday people—not just corporate shareholders.
With wildfire seasons growing longer, climate instability affecting timber yields, and automation reshaping the industry, the PPWC sees this as an opportunity to reimagine Canada’s forestry sector from the ground up.
“Canada’s forestry workers have always been resilient, but they shouldn’t have to do it alone,” LeBlanc noted. “This investment is a start—but it must come with long-term vision and cooperation between unions, industry, First Nations, and government.”
As the threat of Trump’s economic aggression looms, the PPWC remains committed to defending workers, speaking truth to power, and fighting for a more just and sovereign Canadian economy.
“Trump’s tariffs may aim to divide and conquer, but they’ve only united us,” said Dawe. “Together—with courage, solidarity, and action—we will protect Canadian jobs and stand up for what’s right.”
Media contact:
Geoff Dawe
National President, Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC)
nationalpresident@ppwc.ca
ppwc.ca
The Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC):
Canada’s leading democratic, independent labour union. Representing frontline workers in forestry, manufacturing, transportation, health care, education, and more. Fighting for workers, defending communities, and building a better future.
