The Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports said there could be no changes to the July 1 deal between the US and Canadian governments.
Many Canadian lumber producers are unhappy at the agreement and want key amendments made before they commit their support. One criticism focuses on a clause allowing the US to end the deal within three years, something the Coalition says is necessary to give George Bush’s successor an opportunity to review the agreement.
Canada’s international trade minister Davis Emerson has set a deadline of August 21 for the industry to accept the deal.
He has held talks with companies but said he is not prepared to make big changes to the agreement.
