The Canadian Press is reporting today that the federal government is coughing up $20 million to help Canadian softwood lumber industry groups pay their legal costs in the ongoing trade dispute with the United States.

International Trade Minister Jim Peterson said Friday that Ottawa stands behind industry efforts to defend Canadian interests. “This assistance will help softwood lumber associations as Canada pursues a durable resolution to the disputes,” Peterson said in a release.

Conservative natural resources critic John Duncan is disappointed with the announcement, saying the $20 million is only half of what the industry needs.

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