Tembec Supports Softwood Lumber Agreement
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"Thanks to the Softwood Lumber Agreement, lumber exports are free of export tax or quotas today and for the majority of the past year, resulting in a resurgence of exports from Ontario and notably Quebec," Tembec stated this week. "Recent media reports have made broad generalizations about the views of the Quebec forestry industry, we would like to correct the record," it added.
"As recently as this week, the company pointed out, the Softwood Lumber Agreement again proved its effectiveness in supporting interests of the Quebec and Ontario forestry industry. On March 26, a Softwood Lumber Agreement Tribunal ruled in favor of Canada, resolving an ongoing dispute with the U.S. over when a 2011 award issued by the same Tribunal is satisfied. This demonstrates Canada's close relationship with the U.S. and its ability to efficiently resolve matters related to the Softwood Lumber Agreement. The embedded process in the Softwood Lumber Agreement to resolve issues as they arise between the two countries will ensure an enduring agreement," Tembec continued, adding that it is "pleased with the ruling and appreciates the government of Canada defending the interests of the softwood lumber industry and for its recognition of the vital economic importance this agreement has for all regions across Canada."
Tembec is a producer of forest products, including lumber, pulp, paper, and specialty cellulose. Its principal operations are in Canada and France. The company has approximately 3,500 employees and annual sales of some $1.6 billion.
