Mark Carney's announcement of $1.2 billion for forestry sector gets qualified support in B.C.

The move comes as the U.S. ratchets up duties on Canadian softwood lumber as bilateral trade tensions rise. Photo by Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Ottawa’s announcement Tuesday of a $1.2 billion bailout for the forestry sector drew cautious applause from members of the industry in B.C., who said there is more to do to get producers back on their feet as the U.S. increases import duties on softwood lumber.

Brian Menzies, executive director of the Independent Wood Processors Association of B.C., says he welcomes the financial support from Ottawa but stressed that reaching a new trade deal with the United States, including an agreement to lower or remove the 27.3 per cent duties placed on Canadian softwood lumber imports, is critical to the industry’s survival.

Menzies says he expec