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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>October 13, 2004 </strong></span><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong><em>(9:00 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 119</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: CENTER"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>PETERSON STATEMENT ON SOFTWOOD LUMBER</strong></span></p>
<p>International Trade Minister Jim Peterson today issued the following statement
concerning the softwood lumber case:</p>
<p>"We have been informed of the U.S. Administration's intention to file an Extraordinary
Challenge Committee proceeding in the NAFTA injury case. It is their right under
NAFTA to make such a request.</p>
<p>"We will continue to fight for the interests of our softwood lumber industry and for
Canadians. We know that U.S. producers will use every litigation tool available to them
in this dispute, but Canada will continue to mount a strong case.</p>
<p>"All along, Canada has maintained that the American industry is not injured by
Canadian softwood. Our position will not change."</p>
<p style="text-align: CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Jacqueline LaRocque<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of International Trade<br>
(613) 992-7332</p>
<p>Media Relations Office<br>
Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20071123083247/http://www.international.gc.ca/">http://www.international.gc.ca</a></p>
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