Quebec hires ex-ambassador to United States to help in softwood lumber dispute | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Quebec hires ex-ambassador to United States to help in softwood lumber dispute

Raymond Chretien responds to reporters questions as a news conference on softwood lumber Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the legislature in Quebec City. Chretien was nominated as Quebec negotiator in the softwood lumber discussions with the USA. Quebec Economy, Science and Innovation Minister Dominique Anglade, left, looks on. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
Original Publication Date October 18, 2016 - 11:05 AM

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.

Raymond Chretien was named Tuesday as Quebec's representative in the ongoing talks, which could affect thousands of lumber jobs in the province.

The Americans could start imposing duties on Quebec softwood by March 2017 if a deal can't be reached.

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 president Nov. 8.

Both have been critical of free trade in recent months.

"It is a difficulty that is real," said Chretien, who is pulling for Clinton because of Trump's "totally protectionist" position.

Chretien said he is expecting "very, very difficult negotiations" as "Americans never give any gifts."

The 2006 softwood lumber agreement expired a year ago but a one-year standstill period kicked in to allow an attempt at resolution.

The American softwood lobby is complaining that Canada's lumber is unfairly subsidized.

In Ottawa, International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland said she welcomes Chretien's involvement in the file.

"I believe it would be useful for us to work with Mr. Chretien," she said.

"He is a diplomat and a politician with a lot of experience. Quebec's position and interests are very important for Canada in our negotiations and it is always useful to have a new member in our team, the Canadian team."

News from © The Canadian Press, 2016
The Canadian Press

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