The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, Nov. 13, edition that Quebec Premier Francois Legault warns that 30,000 forestry jobs, half the work force in the industry, could be lost due to Canada's trade war with the United States.
The Globe's Nicolas Van Praet and Brent Jang write that his comments have set off alarm bells in various Quebec regions and logging towns, many of which have economies built on forestry. The sector represented 9.6 per cent of Quebec exports by value in 2023 as well as gross domestic product of $6.4-billion.
Mr. Legault first stated the figure late last week, when talking about his new economic vision. He confirmed it to reporters on Tuesday, saying "it's a possibility."
He said: "There are lots of jobs at risk in the forestry sector. Of course, what we want is that Donald Trump pulls back [on tariffs] and that we're able to diversify a part of our forest industry sales. But at the same time, we have to be realistic and look at other options." Political observers have criticized Mr. Legault for clumsily citing the 30,000 figure, calling it a reckless statement. Local leaders say it shows the Premier's Coalition Avenir Quebec government has abandoned the industry amid ongoing trade turmoil.
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