2.1 On July 6, 1999, the Minister for International Trade appointed Doug Waddell, a senior diplomat and Deputy Head of Mission at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C., to lead federal government consultations on policy options for Canada's softwood lumber export trade. The Canada - U.S. Softwood Lumber Agreement will expire on March 31, 2001.
2.2 The first phase of consultations with provincial governments and industry associations began in October 1999 and is expected to finish in January 2000. All provinces, including those not covered by the present agreement, and the Yukon territory, are being consulted.
2.3 We understand that industry associations have been in contact with their members for their input. Companies may wish to contact their industry associations and/or provincial governments to ensure that their views are considered.
2.4 Individual companies are invited to also provide their written submissions directly to Mr. Doug Waddell regarding whether or not we should contemplate renewing the current Agreement, what alternatives (if any) might be available to us, and how we might proceed to develop a national consensus on these matters. Input on these and other issues related to the future of softwood lumber trade with the United States may be sent to the following address:
Mr. Doug Waddell
Softwood Lumber Division (EPS)
P.O. Box 481
Station "A"
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 9K6
Fax: 613-944-1452
Written submissions for this phase of consultations should be received prior to February 2000.
