B.C. stumpage fees increase
KAMLOOPS, B.C. — As if the countervailing U.S. duties on softwood lumber exports weren’t enough, the B.C. government has increased stumpage fees for B.C. lumber companies.
Stumpage fees are slated to rise July 1 after the regular quarterly review, which will increase timber cutting fees by five to seven per cent.
Gary Crooks, of the Interior Lumber Manufacturers Association, says it could be the final straw for many B.C. mills already struggling to stay afloat in light of the U.S. duties.
Meanwhile, forests minister, Mike de Jong, says he remains hopeful Canada will be able to have the U.S. duties overturned through the World Trade Organization, and he insists there is hope down the road.
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