The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Oct. 19, edition that Quebec has hired a former Canadian
ambassador to the United
States to represent its interests
in the difficult softwood lumber
negotiations between Canada
and its southern neighbour.
A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that Raymond Chretien was named
on Tuesday as Quebec's representative
in the continuing talks.
The Americans could start
imposing duties on Quebec softwood
by March, 2017, if a deal
cannot be reached.
Mr. Chretien, ambassador to
Washington between 1994 and
2000, told reporters time is a
factor in the negotiations
because the United States will
elect either Donald Trump or
Hillary Clinton as U.S. president
Nov. 8.
Both have been critical of free
trade in recent months.
"It is a difficulty that is real," says Mr. Chretien, who is pulling for Ms. Clinton because of Mr. Trump's "totally protectionist" position.
Mr. Chretien is expecting "very, very difficult negotiations" as "Americans never give any gifts."
The U.S. softwood lobby is complaining that Canada's lumber is unfairly subsidized.
International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland says she welcomes Mr. Chretien's involvement in the file.
© 2024 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.