British Columbia has hinted that it might reach its own trade agreement with the US if no national settlement in the softwood lumber dispute is forthcoming.
The province’s forests minister Mike de Jong mentioned the possibility of an agreement following a visit by Grant Aldonas, US commerce department under-secretary for international trade.
They talked about market-based pricing for Crown timber in British Columbia – a key US demand in the long-running dispute between the two countries. Mr Aldonas was reportedly impressed with how provincial reforms are addressing US concerns.
Mr de Jong said he still preferred a national settlement to the dispute and hoped the government would make a proposal after an important North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) panel ruling around April 30.
NAFTA’s ruling will decide whether Canadian lumber exports injure US softwood producers.
