OTTAWA, June 26, 2017 /CNW/ - Forestry workers welcomed the news that the U.S. is dropping Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia from the Commerce Department's tariff investigations.

"The ad hoc exclusion of three provinces from duties confirms what we've stated all along: there is no legal basis for duties on Canadian softwood lumber exports," said Scott Doherty, Executive Assistant to Unifor's National President. "This hardship can be avoided—the federal government must get to a negotiated solution as soon as possible."

The U.S. Commerce Department posted a notice online today stating that the three provinces do not require further investigation for anti-dumping or countervailing duties on softwood lumber exports.

Unifor asserts that any duties on softwood exports are unwarranted and will cause job loss in one of Canada's largest industries. The forestry industry employs more than 200,000 workers in Canada in 650 communities across the country.

"This announcement shows that the U.S. didn't do their homework before imposing duties in April," said Doherty. "The U.S. case against the remaining provinces is also weak. Unifor will continue to fight for Canadian forestry workers."

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.

SOURCE Unifor