Alberta requires the same consideration. The Alberta industry strongly advocates the continuation of all litigation, namely WTO, NAFTA, and the civil cases before the U.S. Court of International Trade, until such time as the entry into force of the agreement.
It has been suggested by the federal negotiators that Canada and the Canadian industry should suspend litigation while the details of the agreement are being negotiated. Giving up all of the significant legal victories at this stage would be foolhardy, risky, and not recommended.
Finally, our recommendations are as follows:
First, establish a collaborative consultation process that provides industries in Canada sufficient time to establish with the federal negotiators agreement terms and conditions that ensure the long-term viability of the softwood lumber industry.
Second, consider the unique circumstances of Alberta in negotiating the agreement details.
Third, ensure that the penalty tax on any surge volume in option A applies only to the overage volume, and that it is prospective.
Fourth, ensure that the methodology for regions or provincial market share is determined by the province of origin.
Fifth, ensure that there is a provision in the anti-circumvention clause to allow Alberta to implement the cost updates in the stumpage system.
And finally, ensure that litigation continues until such time as the entry into force of the agreement.
Thank you.