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Former ambassador Gary Doer to advocate for Alberta’s lumber industry

May 8, 2017 | 11:42 AM

EDMONTON — The Alberta government has enlisted a former Canadian ambassador to help advocate its softwood lumber industry in Washington, D.C.

Gary Doer, who served as Canadian ambassador to the United States from 2009-2016, was announced in a provincial news release on Monday to have been been retained by the province to champion the industry in Washington ahead, as an ongoing dispute between the U.S. and Canada about softwood lumber tariffs continues.

“I am excited to be supporting the Alberta government and Premier Notley on this important issue,” Doer said in a statement. “I will work closely with our partners across Canada and the U.S. to make progress and help ensure a fair outcome for all Albertans.”

“He will be a valuable resource that will enhance the work that I have undertaken through the federal provincial task force, to defend the interests of Alberta’s softwood lumber industry,” said Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, in a statement. “I look forward to working with him.”

The announcement of higher tariffs marks the fifth time since 1981 that Canada and the U.S. have sparred over softwood.

Canada has prevailed every time it has challenged the U.S. through the North American Free Trade Agreement, the World Trade Organization or in the U.S. court system.

According to the news release, Doer will draw on his network of contacts to connected government and industry to key decision makers and provide advocacy advice.

Doer was the premier of Manitoba from 1999 to 2009. As premier, he worked with both U.S. and Mexico governors to improve trade and energy cooperation.

Doer is a senior business adviser at Dentons global law firm where he works closely with Canada-U.S. cross-border legal practitioners across Canada and throughout the United States.

The Alberta government has retained Dentons at a fee of $10,000 per month for Doer’s services on this file.

 

-With Files from the Canadian Press