Minister meets with Ambassador Paul Cellucci

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Tom Lush today met with His Excellency Paul Cellucci, the United States' Ambassador to Canada, on matters of mutual interest to Newfoundland and Labrador and the United States, including softwood lumber, Canada/United States border issues and the historical military relationship the province shares with the United States.

In their discussion on softwood lumber, Minister Lush noted to Ambassador Cellucci that while the Atlantic provinces have been exempt from the 19 per cent countervailing duty that has been imposed on other Canadian softwood lumber producers, the province opposes the anti-dumping duty of approximately 12 per cent imposed on Atlantic Canadian softwood lumber products destined for the United States marketplace. 

"I reiterated to Ambassador Cellucci that the levy imposed on softwood lumber products being exported from Newfoundland and Labrador into the United States adversely affects softwood lumber producers in our province," said Minister Lush. "While Ambassador Cellucci said he is cautiously optimistic that an agreement will be reached on softwood lumber by the end of the year, I emphasized that the province remains opposed to any duty imposed on Newfoundland and Labrador softwood lumber exports."

Minister Lush and Ambassador Cellucci discussed border issues and the importance of ensuring that goods and services flow across the Canada/United States border in an efficient manner. The two also discussed the importance of ensuring appropriate screening measures are put in place for immigrants entering Canada and the United States. 

"Ambassador Cellucci and I are both pleased that our national governments are committed to ensuring that the appropriate measures are put in place to identify and address any illegal activity at the border," said Minister Lush. "We are confident that border security issues will be resolved in a timely manner."

Minister Lush discussed the historical military relationship the province shared with the United States, noting that the United States in the past maintained a number of air force and naval military installations throughout the province, including Ernest Harmon Air Force Base at Stephenville, the US Air Force Base at Goose Bay, the US Naval Base at Argentia and Fort Pepperrell in St. John's. "Newfoundland and Labrador has a very strategic location in North America and we will continue to encourage Canadian and allied militaries to capitalize on this advantage," added Minister Lush. 

Photo # 1: (L-R): Ambassador Paul Cellucci and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Tom Lush met today on issues of mutual interest to Newfoundland and Labrador and the United States. (November 13, 2001)

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1341.

2001 11 13                           4:30 p.m.