Clark calls in Canada’s ambassador, special envoy to map softwood strategy
VICTORIA — When it comes to negotiating a softwood lumber agreement, British Columbia Premier Christy Clark says she prefers an unpredictable American administration, rather than the previous disinterested U.S. government.
Clark said she feels more confident about Canada’s chances of reaching a softwood lumber trade deal after her cabinet was briefed Thursday by Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., David MacNaughton, and David Emerson, B.C.’s recently appointed trade envoy on the softwood file.
She said Barack Obama’s administration was focused on reaching the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement and barely responded to Canadian attempts to talk about the softwood deal, which expired in 2015.
“They just simply weren’t interested,” Clark said at a news conference after the cabinet meeting. “So, unpredictable change can sometimes be good if it means we have an administration that, for the first time in a long time in the U.S., is interested in getting this agreement resolved.”