By The Canadian Press

Canada, U.S. Far Apart on Several Key Softwood Sssues: Feds’ Chief Negotiator

Aug 18, 2016 | 10:31 AM

OTTAWA – With a fall deadline approaching, Canada’s chief negotiator in the softwood-lumber talks with the United States says the two sides remain far apart on several key issues.

Martin Moen told a parliamentary committee today that negotiations for a new softwood deal have continued at an intense pace and have reached the highest levels.

But despite the efforts, Moen acknowledges reaching a deal by the fall deadline will be challenging.

He says industry should prepare for the possibility that a deal won’t be reached and the risk Canada will be forced into litigation.

Failure to reach a deal by Oct. 15 — the one-year anniversary of the expiry of the old nine-year agreement — would allow U.S. producers to petition Washington to impose new duties.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Moen says without an agreement in place, Canadian officials are unsure what U.S. industry would actually do — and when.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has spoken with U.S. President Barack Obama about the need to strike a new softwood lumber deal. The leaders have expressed optimism that a compromise could stave off fresh battles in the long-running softwood-lumber war.

Moen said officials from Canada and the U.S. have met 12 times face-to-face and have held numerous teleconferences to discuss the issue. The next meeting, he added, is scheduled for next week.

“Although discussions have been constructive and have led to a better understanding of each party’s positions and concerns, Canada and the U.S. — I have to be honest — we do remain far apart on several key issues,” Moen said in Ottawa.

“There are considerable gaps that will need to be bridged in order for a new agreement to be concluded. Negotiations are continuing with the goal of reaching an agreement by the end of the standstill period.”

The Canadian Press