NEWS RELEASES
April 15, 2005 (10:10 a.m. EDT)
No. 66
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR CANADIAN
SOFTWOOD LUMBER ASSOCIATIONS
International Trade Minister Jim Peterson today announced $20 million in assistance for
softwood lumber industry associations. The funding will be provided to help offset legal
expenses incurred in defending Canadian interests against U.S. trade actions in the
softwood lumber trade dispute.
Despite World Trade Organization and North American Free Trade Agreement rulings
against the U.S. duties on softwood lumber, the United States continues to impose
countervailing and anti-dumping duties on softwood lumber, and has collected over
$4.5 billion in duties to date.
“Canada's softwood lumber industry has faced unprecedented U.S. trade action, and
we stand behind our industry,” said Minister Peterson. “This assistance will help
softwood lumber associations as Canada pursues a durable resolution to the dispute.”
The Government of Canada will continue its three-track approach to the dispute:
litigation, negotiation and retaliation.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Jacqueline LaRocque
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade
(613) 992-7332
Media Relations Office
International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
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