A group representing Alberta's forest products industry came to Rocky Mountain House looking for tariff allies.
It got them. Council unanimously voted to write letters to the premier and local MP urging them to throw the weight behind Alberta Forest Products' (AFP) efforts to strengthen its position in the current economic environment.
Acting Mayor Len Phillips said "the topic of tariffs is a multi-faceted topic that is going to affect all industry, all levels of government. It's the uncertainty of what's going to happen is going to have just as big an impact as the actual tariff itself.
"Any time we have industry come and ask for support I think that's something we need to definitely discuss and take action on."
AFP communications advisor Morgan Pike said about half of Alberta's forest products are exported to the U.S. and the industry creates 30,000 jobs.
The industry now faces a 55 per cent tax on its product as a result of lumber duties that have have recently more than doubled to 30 per cent from 14 per cent and U.S. Donald Trump's across-the-board 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods.
"It's just astronomical what we're seeing right now. Any support we can get we'd love to see," Pike told council in a presentation Thursday morning
AFP is calling on the provincial government to keep regulatory costs low by streamlining the permit process and ensuring timber dues are fair. Controlling costs is necessary to ensure jobs are protected and mills remain operational, a lesson learned in B.C. where high regulatory costs led to mill closures and lost jobs, Pike said.
A campaign to build with homegrown wood is also being rolled out.
"One way to counteract the trade uncertainty with the U.S. is to boost domestic demand," she said.
B.C. and Quebec have both had successful campaigns encouraging the building industry to increase the amount of local lumber used.
"We think it would be great to have that here in Alberta," said Pike.
At the federal level, AFP is seeking support to lobby the federal government to provide a "financial backstop" for the industry based on the $10 billion in duty deposits being held since 2016 by the U.S. Treasury because of various trade disputes, which rightfully belong to Canadian companies.
"This financial strain weakens mills, limits investments and threatens our jobs. A federal financial backstop could provide much-needed relief for these mills while the resolutions are still being played out."
A forestry manufacturing tax credit could also encourage investment in new technologies and products.
The AFP also wants to see Alberta diversify its markets. India, Phillipines, Japan, China and South Korea are also seen as potential customers.
"A diversified market approach would reduce our vulnerability to the U.S. changing their policies."
Part of the strategy involves opening American eyes to the impact lumber industry tariffs have on that country. Canada imports machinery, technology and other products from the U.S. and many jobs south of the border rely on Canadian pulp.
"Our industry is strong, but we face real challenges and we'd like immediate action. With strong advocacy and reaching out to municipalities, we're hoping we can get that."
West Fraser operates a laminated veneer lumber plant that employs about 130 just outside Rocky Mountain House.
Plant general manager Bob Jackle said the plant is in a better position than some because 75 per cent of its products remain in Canada. Those products are not subject to softwood lumber duties but will be hit by the 25 per cent tariff.
The tariff war may actually provide some opportunities for the company.
"We've had a lot of customers from out east saying, 'Hey we buy our lumber from the States now, can we get an in-Canada solution?'"
