Maritime Lumber Bureau dismisses U.S. complaint

The Maritime Lumber Bureau dismissed a complaint this week from the U.S. Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports concerning aid the New Brunswick government gave to Miramichi Lumber Products.

The coalition claims the government aid violates a bilateral softwood lumber agreement.

Last week, the province of New Brunswick said it would give a $1.5 million loan, a $1.5 million load guarantee, and an increase in Crown wood allocation to help Miramichi Lumber Products.

Last May, Miramichi Lumber Products went into receivership. The government assistance will allow operations to restart at the mill, recalling 100 employees to their jobs.

Diana Blenkhorn, president and CEO of the Maritime Lumber Bureau, said Business New Brunswick has, for years before and after the bilateral agreement was signed, provided loans to companies and these should not be seen as subsidies.

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Maritime Lumber Bureau dismisses U.S. complaint over loan to N.B. mill (The News)