Government of British Columbia : Special Envoy to the U.S. takes his leave

VICTORIA - Premier John Horgan and ministers Doug Donaldson and Bruce Ralston thanked David Emerson for his service to British Columbia, as his role as B.C.'s Special Envoy to the United States comes to an end.

'David Emerson's expertise and experience have been invaluable in B.C.'s fight for a fair deal on softwood lumber,' Horgan said. 'While his role as Special Envoy is coming to an end, I am pleased Mr. Emerson will continue to provide advice and counsel on critical trade matters as needed.'

The Dec. 7, 2017, ruling of the U.S. International Trade Commission effectively confirmed the start of a lengthy litigation process and significantly reduces the likelihood of an early negotiated agreement with the U.S. on the trade of softwood lumber.

'David's deep knowledge of the Canadian forest industry and his intimate familiarity with the softwood lumber trade issue have served the people of British Columbia well,' said Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.

'Mr. Emerson has dedicated years to improving U.S.-Canada trade - maintaining relationships with former colleagues and opening doors for Canada both domestically and in the U.S. as we worked on resolution of this dispute,' said Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology.

'I know from my own past experience that British Columbia and Canada will prevail through litigation and remain confident that a deal can be reached when the time is right,' Emerson said. 'I'm willing to continue to provide my services to support British Columbia, as required.'

Emerson has served as B.C.'s Special Envoy to the U.S. since February 2017. In this role, he represented B.C.'s softwood lumber trade interests in Canada and the United States.

Learn More:

Softwood lumber trade: www.gov.bc.ca/softwoodlumber