Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke today with provincial and territorial premiers to discuss Canada-U.S. trade issues, with a focus on dairy and the decision by the United States to apply preliminary counterveiling duties on imports of Canadian softwood lumber.  Canadian Ambassador to the United States, David MacNaughton, also participated on the call.

The Prime Minister and Premiers agreed to continue to vigorously defend the interests of the Canadian softwood lumber industry across the country, including through litigation, and agreed that a negotiated settlement is in the best interest of both Canada and the United States. They agreed to continue to work together, and acknowledged that while Canadians are polite and fair, we will always strongly defend Canadian interests.  The Prime Minister thanked and acknowledged the good work of the Premiers over the last few months.  

It was also noted that the Minister of Natural Resources, James Carr, will be reconvening the Federal-Provincial Task Force on Softwood Lumber this week to examine additional measures governments can take to help affected companies, workers, and local communities.