Ontario invests $20M for forest access roads in response to softwood tariffs

TORONTO – Ontario is increasing funding for forest access roads by $20 million in response to the softwood lumber dispute between Canada and the U.S.

The roads run through Crown land and are used by the forestry industry and local communities.

READ MORE: Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland will be ‘tough and strong’ with U.S. on softwood lumber

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The provincial government says forestry communities need support after the U.S. slapped duties of up to 24 per cent on softwood lumber entering the U.S. from Canada.

U.S. President Donald Trump has recently criticized Canada’s lumber and dairy policies and threatened to scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement.

READ MORE: Former U.S. ambassadors blast Donald Trump over softwood lumber dispute with Canada

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne has been actively lobbying U.S. leaders to support unfettered cross-border trade, fearing the effect increased protectionism in the U.S. will have on Ontario’s economy.

The province has also a chief negotiator to represent the province in the softwood lumber dispute, former federal cabinet minister Jim Peterson.