Canada Lowers Demands for Support on Softwood Accord

Aug. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Canada is trying to salvage an agreement to end a two-decade-old dispute with the U.S. over softwood lumber by lowering its demands for industry support of the accord, said executives who were briefed by the government.

Canadian Trade Minister David Emerson, facing growing opposition from some lumber firms, is no longer requiring that 95 percent of the industry back the accord. Instead, he's only seeking ``substantial'' support, said the people, who spoke on condition their names not be used.

``Whatever percentage of industry buys into it, they'll call it a deal,'' said Bill Reedy, president of Gorman Bros. Ltd., a Westbank, British Columbia-based wood boards maker.

By lowering his demands for industry backing, Emerson is increasing his chances of getting the deal implemented. The proposed agreement, reached July 1, would allow Canadian firms such as Canfor Corp. to recover about $4.3 billion in duties and end a dispute between the world's two largest trade partners.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=aClqC5IQ0QbA&refer=canada

(Anything to avoid that promised nonconfidence vote.)