Minister Carr Meeting Follow Up, Building Materials Supply Update

May 27, 2021

Dear WRLA Members, 

This past February, the WRLA participated in a roundtable discussion with Minister Jim Carr, the federal MP who was appointed as the Special Representative for the Prairie Provinces by the Federal Government.

To access the detailed report, please visit our advocacy page here.

During that meeting, Minister Carr indicated he wanted to have more discussion surrounding the supply chain and shortage issues the industry was experiencing. As you are aware, the supply issues have become worse since that meeting.

On May 13, the WRLA met with Minister Carr’s office and had a productive meeting. The discussion we had was engaging and productive and has led to some next steps.

Key discussion points included:

• Reiterating our role in the industry and that we are here to be a resource for government as much as we are an advocate for the industry and our members.
• Providing a quick recap of the key discussion points in the February session, which at the time focused on:

1. • An increased urgency to get the vaccination rolled out and people back to work
   • Implementation of a Home Renovation Tax Credit (HTRC)
   • Supply challenges, which have only escalated since then

• Elaborating on the fact that while we requested a HRTC back in February, this is not an ask we are looking to pursue at the current time. In light of the supply issues the industry is experiencing, we felt that adding an incentive such as this at this point in time is adding fuel to a large fire.
• Presenting the supply chain challenges, container issues, escalated costs and difficulty to get cargo on vessels, etc.
• Providing feedback on the government support programs. While we of course expressed gratitude for being deemed essential and confirmed that some support programs were well received. We did however highlight the negative impact CERB had on the labour force.
• Determining if a Softwood Lumber Agreement will be put on the agenda with the new administration in the U.S.

Discussion Outcomes

During our discussion, we were informed that every Canadian who chooses to be vaccinated will received their full doses by the end of July, assuming vaccine supply continues to flow into Canada at the rate expected. This is positive news in terms of getting the economy opened back up and moving out of the pandemic phase.  

In terms of the Softwood Lumber Agreement negotiation, this item is on the government’s agenda. However, without a current timeline, we will loop back to determine when this is expected to be brought forward. With the U.S, proposing an increase on tariffs on softwood lumber, this once again poses challenges to the Canadian suppliers as U.S. protectionism can have long-term negative impacts on the Canadian industry. Canada is an export country, and the forestry industry is an incredibly important contributor to our local and national GDP, and we need to ensure its best interests are protected.

Last but not least, in light of the supply chain issues, the Minister’s office has arranged for us to meet with Transport Canada to relay the challenges our members are facing. While it is unclear at this time if there will be a solution, we are aware that if the issues are not addressed there is no opportunity for solution.

If you have any feedback or want to participate in some discussion on any of the above, please do let me know. 

Liz Kovach

President, WRLA
lkovach@wrla.org
204.770.2416