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<p><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">August 16, 2005 <i>(1:35 p.m. EDT)</i><br>
No. 149</span></span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">GOVERNMENT OF CANADA CALLS OFF <br>
AUGUST 22 SOFTWOOD TALKS</span></span></p>
<br>
<p>International Trade Minister Jim Peterson today issued the following statement on the
Canada-U.S. softwood lumber negotiations:</p>
<br>
<p>“Following consultations with provincial governments and in light of the U.S. response to
the August 10, 2005, decision of the NAFTA Extraordinary Challenge Committee, the
Government of Canada has decided to not proceed with the negotiations planned for
next week. <span> </span></p>
<br>
<p>“The Government of Canada will continue to consult with industry stakeholders as we
consider all possible options for promoting Canada’s interests in this long-standing
dispute.</p>
<br>
<p>“I will take the necessary time to consult with provincial and Cabinet colleagues on next
steps.</p>
<br>
<p>“I have conveyed Canada’s position to U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman and
appreciate our open dialogue.”<span> </span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<br>
<p>Jacqueline LaRocque<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of International Trade<br>
(613) 992-7332</p>
<br>
<p>Media Relations Office<br>
International Trade Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221013116/http://www.international.gc.ca/"><span style="color: #0000ff"><span style="text-decoration: underline">http://www.international.gc.ca</span></span></a><span style="color: #000000"><span>       </span></span></p>
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