A Canadian forestry research centre (FPInnovations) that has led efforts to expand the use of mass timber in BC and Quebec is being accused by the U.S. lumber industry of receiving unfair federal and provincial subsidies. The move is part of a new offensive in the long-running trade dispute over Canadian softwood sold south of the border. …In a complaint lodged with the U.S. Department of Commerce this past summer, a U.S. lumber COALITION, alleged that FPInnovations is helping Canadian producers gain an unfair advantage over their American competitors. …The complaint, citing FPInnovations’ financial reporting, says the Canadian government provided more than $21-million in funding to the research centre. …A joint filing by the Canadian, Alberta and Saskatchewan governments counters that COALITION’s arguments are without merit. …Last month, the Department of Commerce opted to defer a decision on whether to launch an investigation until its next administrative review, later this year. [to access the full story a Globe Mail subscription is required]