Premier Ball Expresses Disappointment with United States Department of Commerce; Stands by Corner Brook Pulp and Paper

  • Executive Council

January 9, 2018

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is disappointed with the United States Department of Commerce’s decision to place a countervailing duty on Kruger Inc. including Corner Brook Pulp and Paper.

Today’s decision is preliminary with the final decision expected later in 2018. The Provincial Government will explore every opportunity to continue to advocate on behalf of the company and the forestry industry.

In August 2017, the United States Department of Commerce launched an anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigation into Canada’s groundwood paper industry, which includes a range of goods including standard newsprint, high bright newsprint, book publishing, directory, and printing and writing papers. Their investigation focused on Resolute Paper Company in Quebec, Catalyst Paper in British Columbia, and Kruger’s operations in Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has fully cooperated with the United States Department of Commerce to provide information related to its forestry industry and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper in particular. To support its work, the Provincial Government formed an internal working group as well as engaged Canadian and American trade lawyers.

The 9.93 per cent tariff will come into effect five days from now. The preliminary anti-dumping tariffs decision will be finalized in March with a final determination for both countervailing and anti-dumping tariffs later this year.

On broader Canada-United States relations, Premier Ball and the Provincial Government have initiated an engagement process with industry and labour organizations. Premier Ball has also joined the rest of Canada’s premiers for meetings with senior American political and business leaders, as well as for meetings with the Prime Minister and the Canadian Ambassador to the United States.

Quotes
“The United States is Newfoundland and Labrador‎’s largest trading partner representing close to 60 per cent of all goods exported from the province. As a government, we have worked vigorously to advocate for local businesses and workers, including Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, against the increased protectionist environment that exists in the United States.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes Corner Brook Pulp and Paper as a major economic driver for this province. As laid out in The Way Forward, we are working to diversify this highly integrated forestry sector and will continue to advocate against the proposed tariff.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources

“A decision to place a countervailing duty on Kruger could have the potential to significantly affect industry, communities and residents in the western region, as well as the province as a whole. Our government will continue to work hard on behalf of the company and the forestry industry. We are engaging the Federal Government as we work to address this issue together.”
Honourable Eddie Joyce
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment and MHA for Humber – Bay of Islands

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Media contacts
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca 

Connie Boland
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2923, 640-6409
connieboland@gov.nl.ca

Kristina George
Government Members Office
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2018 01 09 11:15 pm