involve a volume-based import-tax and no quotas on
c. d; ike + * c fc 3

other value-added producers; and for the non-inclusion of
provincial forest policies or log exports in any settlement
(see below).

The union also Eee that a bilateral panel of sitet
ed labour, industry and
cussions on the North American Softwood in dustry.

“We have to put the concerns of workers and communi-
ties at the forefront of the industry’s future, together with

of global competitive THE UNION PROPOSES THAT A BI-
pressures, ” sai LATERAL PANEL OF AFFECTED LABOUR,
Rivard. “Without INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT

input fro our FACILITATE ONGOING DISCUSSIONS ON
members and the THE NORTH AMERICAN SOFTWOOD

citizens of the com-
munities they live
in, there can be no legitimate planning for the future. This
atay i is hell-bent on — and amalgamations and
downsizing as fast as it c

“We think that ott ae future profits and refunds

LUMBER INDUSTRY

from U.S. tariffs and duties
will continue to be used for
more and more takeovers,
rather than investment in
our communities,” adds
Rivard.

The union’s policy paper
notes that Canadian compa-
nies admit they have fallen
behind their competitors in

market development and
innovation.

«

we are witnessing
is a takeover of the forest
industry by takeover artists —
a bunch of quick-talking
bankers and lawyers who never really built any industry,”
says Rivard. “Governments have a key role to play in Canada
in ensuring that the people who own the resources have a
say on how they are administered over the long-term.”

= The Americans ee Poa
for more log export:
Canada. PHoto NORMAN GARCIA

workers and communities

Canadian ey a must

Por ie Noe ‘ on
Canada, and ae tha

“5. mu antes
access, for those prod-
ucts, to arkets. ©

A need for investment in
the Canadian forest sector

i ang eas rGapadat gets its money back

See must use a large portion of those
funds to invest at home, demands the IWA
Council. “Companies must invest in their
plants and ae cs in Canada,”

says council chairperson Norm Rivard. “That
means new nig aR and upgrades of machinery and
other technologies. They have to diversify their product
lines and that means spending on research and develop-
ment in our putin and our communities. There also has
to be greater to break our cae
on U. Ss. markets.” adds Rivard. “And th

Norm Rivard

”

is
future jobs in stable, secure communities
Rivard says that forest companies in Canada will be
tempted to further acquire assets outside the country and
industry. “Canadian taxpayers are assisting this industry
in gettting monies back and Canadians deserve to bene-
fit,” he says.

THE ALLIED WORKER DECEMBER 2005 | 25