Help is on the way for B.C. forestry workers

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VICTORIA, B.C. — The B.C. forests minister says help is on the way for those who have lost their jobs due to the U.S.-imposed softwood duties, but there’s no word yet if truckers will receive aid.

Mike de Jong is in Ottawa to appeal to the feds for help on behalf of left coasters who are most affected by the softwood dispute. He confirmed that a bailout plan is on the agenda of Premier Gordon Campbell.

While de Jong says he hopes the details of the plan will soon be released, little has been revealed about the plan in the works and whether help will be available to lumber haulers who have been without freight since the duties kicked in.

De Jong says the province is hesitant to release details about the plan, in case it jeopardizes Canada’s case before international trade panels.

Meanwhile, Canadian lumber exporters are still hoping talks on an export tax will produce a deal in time to avoid the U.S. duties, which are slated to take effect in a month. A ruling on the duties from the International Trade Commission is due in about a month.

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