By Dave Branco

No softwood talk

No room for timber talk: Forestry leader fumes

Oct 9, 2025 | 3:39 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Earlier this week, Prime Minister Mark Carney met with President Donald Trump to discuss the connection between energy cooperation and support for Canada’s steel and aluminum industries. However, this meeting raised some eyebrows among forestry industry leaders, who wondered why softwood was left out of the conversation.

Brink Forest Products Limited has been a key player in Prince George for many decades. Owner John Brink, who has experienced the many highs and lows of the forest industry, believes that the omission of softwood tariffs in discussions with the president is yet another setback for an already struggling sector.

MLA Kiel Giddens also voiced his disappointment that softwood lumber was left off the agenda, especially since forestry ranks among Canada’s leading employers.

Brink notes that wood manufacturing plants are still shutting down across the province, and he believes the West must unite to send a strong message to Ottawa.

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“ If we want to change the future of ourselves and Western Canada, we have to change politics. We have to work together with Alberta and BC under the conservative label. I would call it A.B.C. strategic alliance between them, not separating from Canada, but working within Canada.”

John Brink

Chief Executive Officer of Brink Forest Products

Giddens identifies common links between provincial conservative parties, both of which aim to succeed in the global market.

“ I think there are a lot that united conservatives in Alberta and BC conservatives have in common, and we’ve been fighting for the same thing. And that’s getting a better deal for resource-dependent communities.”

Kiel Giddens

MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie

Upon Carney’s return to Canada, there was no indication of easing the tariffs. Meanwhile, Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc remains in Washington, working to secure relief for Canadian sectors affected by the levies.

Email: Dave.Branco@pattisonmedia.com

TikTok: @DaveBrancoVJ