The New Brunswick government is calling for talks between Canada and the U-S to ensure softwood lumber from Atlantic Canada is exempt from heavy duties Donald Trump’s administration has imposed. Provincial governments in the region have warned that the duties could lead to mill closures. Roger Melanson, New Brunswick’s minister responsible for trade policy, says the province will appoint a senior negotiator to represent his province’s interests in Ottawa and Washington on this issue. The U.S. Department of Commerce has said it would subject Canadian lumber imports to tariffs ranging from three to 24 per cent.