Canada and Japan could be heading for a showdown over British Columbia timber, the West Coast province’s most important industry–a confrontation that could have lasting consequences in the Canadian federal election set for this fall.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to focus on the economy in his bid to retain power for his Conservative Party, but the Canadian Press news agency is reporting that B.C. lumber has been targeted by Japan in the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership trade talks.
Japan wants Canada to modify or eliminate the controls it sets on B.C. timber exports, controls that drive up the cost to foreign buyers. A drop in export prices could have an adverse effect on the provincial economy and cost Mr. Harper a lot of votes.
Canadian Press cites Canadian Foreign Affairs department documents marked “secret” as its source for the story. CP does not say how it obtained the document.
As the TPP negotiations continue, Canada also faces pressure from the United States over a supply management system that protects Canadian dairy and poultry farmers.
Twelve countries are currently engaged in the TPP negotiations. Besides Canada, Japan and the U.S., they are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
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