Poliquin, Collins, King Urge Commerce Secretary to Investigate Unfair Canadian Trade Practices in Paper Market

Press Release

In a letter today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), and Congressman Bruce Poliquin (R-ME), urge the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to address and put a stop to unfair Canadian trade practices in the paper market. At issue are potentially illegal subsidies being provided by the provincial government of Nova Scotia to the Port Hawkesbury Paper mill in Nova Scotia. Yesterday, Madison Paper Industries, which owns a mill in Madison, cited these subsidies as a major reason why it is being forced to curtail production for at least two weeks later this month and temporarily lay off most non-salaried employees.

In their letter to Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, Senators Collins and King and Congressman Poliquin wrote, "Members of the Maine delegation have previously brought this matter to the attention of U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, and we understand that the current Trade Representative Michael Froman raised this issue on several occasions with the Canadian trade authorities. Despite these efforts, the subsidies continue to flow from the Nova Scotia government to Port Hawkesbury Paper, putting U.S. jobs at continued risk.

"We respectfully ask that you do everything legally within your power as Secretary of Commerce to address this issue and put a stop to these unfair subsidies. The consensus for fair and open trade is predicated on having trade rules by which everyone lives."

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