New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant says the province plans to "fight back with facts," alongside its counterparts across the country, against the proposed tariff on softwood lumber going into the U.S. from Canada.

The federal government is reaching out to reassure forestry workers, lumber producers and others facing the impact from a fresh softwood trade war that it stands ready to help cushion what it suggests will be a heavy blow.

President Donald Trump told reporters to expect a 20 per cent tariff on softwood lumber going into the U.S. from Canada.