Softwood lumber deal shows no sign of being resolved

Nov 15, 2017 | 5:53 AM

VICTORIA —     B-C’s forests minister says no end is in sight as softwood lumber negotiations drag on between Canada and the United States.

     Doug Donaldson says it’s difficult to negotiate with someone who has no desire to reach a deal, but he hopes a spike in U-S housing prices will put some pressure on the American lumber coalition to come to an agreement.

     The Canadian government has asked that a NAFTA panel look into countervailing duties the U-S placed on Canadian softwood lumber earlier this year.

     The duties slap a 21-per-cent tax on Canadian producers who export softwood to the U-S.