Although a recent meeting between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Barack Obama didn’t result in a resolution to the expired softwood lumber agreement, Kenora MP Bob Nault is still hopeful both sides can reach an agreement.
The deal was hammered out back in 2006 and expired last October, sparking fears of another looming trade war.
The U.S. lumber industry has long argued that Canadian provinces unfairly subsidize lumber exports.
Nault believes both sides can work together towards an agreement that is fair to both parties.
He says the file has been handed over to the trade ministers who have 100-days to come up with ways to address the issue.
Nault says a joint deal will not only strengthen the relationship between the two countries, but the forest industry in northwestern Ontario.
Nault stresses any kind of duties imposed by the U.S. could have a big impact on the forest industry in our riding which is attempting to get back on its feet.
