Canada’s international trade minister says the great North American softwood lumber standoff is putting a drag on the continent’s already tight housing supply. Mary Ng says Ottawa will contest the U.S. International Trade Commission’s latest decision to maintain “unjustified” duties on imports of Canadian softwood. The commission ruled late last month that lifting the duties would result in what it calls “material injury” to the U.S. forestry industry. …She says the challenge will be filed under the dispute resolution procedures contained in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, known north of the border as CUSMA. Global Affairs Canada says the decision to challenge the finding was made in consultation with affected provinces, stakeholders and industry leaders. …”These duties impact our innovative Canadian softwood industry. And with the significant current challenges in housing supply and affordability, these duties also harm U.S. consumers and businesses that need Canadian lumber.”