VICTORIA — Resolving the softwood lumber dispute could create “momentum” for a larger trade agreement between Canada and the US, Premier David Eby says. Eby said that he and several other premiers pressed that point during a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Carney after his visit with President Trump. He said softwood lumber could present an opportunity to “lead the way in terms of opening the door to meaningful discussions that benefit both Americans with cheaper building materials … as well as growth in our economy.” The premier said it doesn’t matter if Canada and the United States resolves the softwood lumber dispute before dealing with the overall trade and tariff issue….Council of Forest Industries chief economist Kurt Niquidet said he agrees. “I think Premier Eby has been doing a good job to raise the profile of softwood lumber,” Niquidet said. “It’s not just a BC  issue, it’s a national issue.”