The claim arises from Canada’s imposition of restrictions on log exports from privately-owned lands in British Columbia in violation of the NAFTA.
Merrill & Ring’s vice-president, timberlands and administration, Norm Schaaf, said the restrictions forced the company to sell its logs to British Columbia sawmills at below the prices it could obtain if they were exported.
“This is unfair and discriminatory treatment of private land owners; it kills jobs for loggers and other forestry workers and is a violation of the NAFTA,” said Mr Schaaf.
Mr Schaaf added that, while the company supported all efforts to make the system fair for participants in the log export business, “we must continue with our NAFTA claim until we see a concrete change in policy”.
“In the meantime, we have been left with little choice but to claim financial compensation for the financial losses we have suffered.”
