:: rawblogXport ::

:: Friday, October 17, 2003 ::

Forest industry group recommends rejecting union contract bid as too costly By STEVE MERTL
A strike would affect more than two dozen mills and associated logging operations. Many IWA members are already idle because of mill shutdowns due to market conditions and the impact of the 27 per cent U.S. tariff on softwood lumber.

British Columbia's economic growth lagging: RBC Economics Canada NewsWire
'B.C.'s economic growth has been hampered by several factors, particularly U.S. countervailing duties on softwood lumber exports, weak U.S. demand for manufactured products, a stronger Canadian dollar, sharply lower migration and depressed tourism,' said Derek Holt, assistant chief economist, RBC. 'On an optimistic note, the province's growth prospects could likely improve if the outcome of the U.S. International Trade Commission's ruling on B.C.'s softwood lumber industry is in its favour.'

First Nations Offer Alternative to Softwood Lumber Tariff Stalemate 'Canada's policies regarding the non-recognition of aboriginal and treaty rights does not only violate the constitution and the direction of the Supreme Court of Canada, it also violates international trade law. A long-term solution to the softwood lumber dispute has to involve Indian tribes.'

Weyerhaeuser downgraded to junk status By Gordon Hamilton
Fitch says the softwood lumber duties -- draining $25 million US to $27 million US a quarter in revenues that could otherwise be used to pay down debt -- were a factor in the decision to downgrade the company.

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