Canada claims major win in softwood case, but U.S. still prepared to fight - by SANDRA CORDON, CP, CBC News
The U.S. Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports, representing the American industry, denounced the NAFTA process and said it will continue to fight what it claims are unfair Canadian subsidies.
Not all Americans agree. A U.S. homeowners lobby called on the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush to 'do the honourable thing' and drop the softwood war.
'This (was) the last appeal available. . .on behalf of a small number of U.S. protectionist lumber producers and landowners,' said Susan Petniunas, spokesperson for the American Consumers for Affordable Homes.
'The NAFTA process worked as it was designed. The (Bush) administration should do the honourable thing and promptly end the duties that have penalized consumers for more than three years.'