BC lumber industry rejects US claims

Aug 08, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. The B.C. Lumber Trade Council dismissed on August 7, 2007 the U.S. government's move to file for arbitration over claims that Canada is not complying with the terms of the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement, and said that such claims are without merit.

"We categorically reject the claims against the British Columbia industry," said John Allan, president of the Lumber Trade Council. "We have reviewed the negotiating history, our submissions on early drafts, and the final language of the agreement. From these reviews we have concluded that we are in full compliance," stated Mr. Allan. Mr. Allan also stressed that the agreement has a built in arbitration process and budget, and said that he has complete confidence that the government of Canada will defend the interests of the Canadian lumber industry. The BC Lumber Trade Council represents the majority of lumber production in British Columbia.