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Trump’s threats to Canada — imposing crushing tariffs on Canadian goods or making Canada the 51st state — may be repulsive, but they are unfortunately very real. While a full takeover of Canada is likely just sabre rattling, the imposition of tariffs is a genuine concern. Source:  Financial Post (www.financialpost.com) This is a time for aggressive leadership. Policymakers focused on “win-wins” or reactive strategies must rethink their approach if they are to effectively represent Canada. Trade negotiators must stay focused on one key fact: Canada produces many products and services upon which the United States depends. Canadian goods generate enormous “consumer surplus” for Americans, all of which could be lost if the price of these goods rises. The 25% tariff threats are troubling for Canadians, but they are equally alarming for those in the US who rely on Canadian products. Canada supplies a quarter of US lumber needs, giving it strong leverage. Lumber is a primary input in US home construction, which is a core component of the economy. The housing market is often cited as a leading indicator of the overall strength or weakness of the American economy. Economists understand that a significant rise in lumber prices will increase the cost of building and renovating homes. It’s no surprise that the US National Association of Home Builders protests every time our two countries negotiate the Softwood Lumber Agreement and there is talk of new tariffs on Canadian lumber. A sharp increase in lumber prices would fuel inflation and shrink disposable income, straining the consumer-driven economy. The timing for tariffs on lumber couldn’t be worse for the US, with the spring building season soon approaching. On the supply side, US lumber mills are already operating near capacity, and importing softwood lumber from other regions is expensive. In short, even if Canadian lumber prices doubled (or even quadrupled, as they have in the past), US consumers would still bear the higher costs — though begrudgingly.

John Deere now offers extended transmission coverage at no additional cost through its skidder transmission assurance program. Source: Timberbiz This new program provides coverage up to six years or 12,000 hours on all eligible skidder models and helps to maximize the machine lifespan with warrantable transmission repairs and replacements. The assurance program applies to all qualified skidders built on or after 1 January 2020 and is transferrable to subsequent purchasers. “We’re giving our customers added peace-of-mind knowing that their new machines are backed by a robust transmission assurance program,” said Mike Fulton, service marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “This is another way we’re helping our customers excel in the woods and in their businesses, no matter the challenge at hand.” Eligible machines include qualified skidder models (640L-II, 648L-II, 748L-II, 768L-II, 848L-II, or 948L-II) built on or after 1 January 2020 and purchased prior to 31 December 2026.