British Columbia Lumber Trade Council pleased with softwood lumber decision

The British Columbia Lumber Trade Council (BCLTC) responded today to the decision by the London Court of International Arbitration that Canada and British Columbia were not in breach of the Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) in the pricing of British Columbia timber.

“We are extremely pleased with the Panel’s decision dismissing all of the United States’ claims in their entirety,” stated John Allan, President, BCLTC.

Allan went on to note that: “The arbitration process was lengthy and thorough and the outcome demonstrates that the B.C. timber pricing system is not in breach of the Softwood Lumber Agreement as the U.S. had claimed.”

The London Court of International Arbitration Tribunal was a three person panel presided over by Dr. Klaus Sachs.  Canada appointed Professor Albert Jan van den Berg and the United States appointed Mr. V. V. Veeder.  The decision dismissing the U.S. claims was unanimous.

The 131 page Final Award will be released in public form in about 10 days.

The BCLTC represents 85% of interior lumber production and a substantial proportion of coastal production.

Source: British Columbia Lumber Trade Council