No counter-offer on softwood lumber before NAFTA ruling CBC News
OTTAWA - Canada won't be making a counter-offer to settle the softwood lumber dispute with the U.S. until a NAFTA panel hands down its ruling at the end of April, Trade Minister Jim Peterson said Wednesday.
The federal government and the lumber-producing provinces are hoping the NAFTA decision will parallel Monday's ruling by the World Trade Organization that rejected claims by the U.S. lumber industry that it faces injury from a potential surge of Canadian imports.
Favourable rulings from both bodies would strengthen Canada's hand in negotiating an end to the lengthy dispute.