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