Forestry Amendments to Ease Softwood Discussion

Forestry Amendments to Ease Softwood Discussion

Monday, June 23, 2003 at 12:49

Negotiations in the softwood lumber dispute may be easier for Saskatchewan after amendments to the Provincial Forestry legislation were agreed upon by the provincial government, the Saskatchewan lumber industry and the U.S.

Environment Minister Buckley Belanger says the changes will put Saskatchewan in a better position to negotiate restored access to U.S. markets for its lumber producers.

Potential changes include a review of dues paid by forest companies, the introduction of competetive bidding for new forest management agreements and relaxed restrictions on minimum harvest requirements.

Belanger says fundamental principles of public resource ownership and sustainable management remain unchanged.