For Immediate Release:April 27, 2006  
Contact:  Christine Gunderson /Dan Nelson    (202) 482-4883

GUTIERREZ STATEMENT ON U.S.-CANADIAN LUMBER AGREEMENT

WASHINGTON, DC - Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today released the following statement on the U.S.-Canadian Softwood Lumber Agreement:

“I am pleased that we have reached an agreement with Canada to resolve the long-standing softwood lumber dispute. This agreement is in the best interest of communities and workers in both Canada and the United States. By allowing workers and industry on each side of the border to compete in a fair environment, the agreement will benefit consumers. This agreement further demonstrates the strength of the relationship between the United States and Canada and that, if we have a cooperative spirit, we can resolve our differences.”

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