A lumber industry analyst says a request to exclude New Brunswick from U.S. softwood restrictions may be dropped to get a deal with the U-S. Hamir Patel of C-I-B-C World Markets issued a report earlier this week saying a deal on Canadian softwood exports could be reached but only if Canada drops some requirements — including its New Brunswick exemption. The province says it won’t comment on speculation, but it is firm on the importance of the traditional exclusion for New Brunswick. Premier Brian Gallant met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Wednesday to make New Brunswick’s case.