Minister to meet with federal trade minister on softwood lumber issue

NLIS 1
August 23, 2001
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Forest Resources and Agrifoods Minister Rick Woodford will be in Montreal on Friday (August 24) to participate in a meeting with International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew on the latest developments in the softwood lumber dispute with the United States.

Minister Woodford said that while Atlantic Canada has been excluded from the scope of the investigation by the U.S. Department of Commerce and therefore is not impacted by the recent 19.3 per cent countervailing duty, it is important to stay closely involved in the process as the remaining aspects of the case unfold.

"Our province must and will continue to work diligently with other Atlantic provinces through the Maritime Lumber Bureau and the Newfoundland and Labrador Lumber Producers Association and in cooperation with the Government of Canada and Minister Pettigrew to ensure our historical free trade with the U.S continues."

Minister Woodford added: "While it is important to highlight that unique circumstances exist in Atlantic Canada in terms of softwood lumber trade, which was recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, my department still supports Canada's efforts to seek free trade for everyone in this softwood lumber dispute."

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Communications Director, (709) 729-6183.

2001 08 23 9:05 a.m.

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