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2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement
On October 12, 2006, Canada
and the United States implemented the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement. This
agreement ends the costly litigation, secures the return to Canadian
companies of the bulk of the duties paid to date, and provides some
certainty for softwood lumber trade in the future.
Given the length, cost and
uncertainty of the softwood lumber litigation, British Columbia has been
open to a negotiated solution since 2001. On April 27, 2006, Canada and the
United States agreed to a terms sheet that laid out the elements for an
agreement. On July 1, 2006, a final legal text was initialled by the
Honourable David Emerson, the federal Minister of International Trade, and
Ambassador Susan Schwab, United States Trade Representative.
After further discussions,
some key outstanding issues were addressed in ‘side letters’ to the
Agreement. On August 22, 2006, the federal government reported that a
majority of Canadian companies support the agreement. The agreement was
signed, and came into effect on October 12, 2006.
The Links below give
further information and updates on various topics related to the 2006
Softwood Lumber Agreement.
Please also check the
federal government website at:
www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/eicb/softwood/ for updates and announcements.
Other Related Information
·
News Releases
2006 2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
·
September 18, 2006 Workshop
Presentations:
Presentation on federal export permitting system
Presentation on collection of export tax (to
be added)
Presentation on provincial
remanufacturer certification
For More Information
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Subscribe to
receive our news releases to keep informed about significant events.
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Contact
the Economics and Trade Branch
BC Ministry of Forests:
Email
Phone: (250) 387-8610 Fax: (250) 387-5050
Mail: PO Box
9514, Stn Prov Govt., Victoria, BC,
V8W 9C2
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