The company’s action comes just days after Canada’s government voted in favour of the new softwood lumber agreement with the US, which is partially designed to bring an end to legal wrangles between the two countries’ timber industries.
M&R claims the restrictions, supported by the provincial government, force the company to sell its logs to sawmills in British Columbia at lower prices than if the logs were exported.
The company has given notice of its intention to submit a claim under the North American Free Trade Agreement.
M&R has owned and operated timberlands in British Columbia for more than 100 years.
