Softwood Lumber Agreement 'operating substantially as expected,' says British Columbia Lumber Trade Council on welcoming agreement's extension to 2015

Audrey Dixon

VANCOUVER, British Columbia , January 23, 2012 (press release) – The British Columbia Lumber Trade Council (BCLTC) welcomed today's announcement that Canada and the United States have agreed on a two year extension to the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA).

"Because the SLA is operating substantially as expected, the BCLTC supports an extension," said John Allan, President.

Allan further noted that "Canada's softwood lumber exports to the U.S. have fallen significantly, and our lumber exporters are developing new markets in Asia. However, an extended SLA will help to provide a stable foundation for Canadian lumber trade with the U.S. when housing and lumber demand recovers."

"We thank Canadian Trade Minister Fast and BC Minister Bell and their staff for achieving this extension," said Allan.

The SLA will now expire in October, 2015.

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

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