(Dow Jones) -- US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Minister exchanged verbal volleys over Canada's complaint with the World Trade Organization over how Washington applies tariffs. "Clearly the case they brought at the WTO is unprecedented, and it is imprudent, and my suspicion is, spiteful," Lighthizer told journalists following closing press event at the sixth round of Nafta talks. Freeland said the complaint was triggered by US tariffs on Canadian softwood, which it views as unfair and punitive. She added Canada was clear it would take this legal route if necessary. "I don't think I need to have to defend Canada's actions when it comes to protecting our workers and our industry," she said, adding a negotiated settlement on softwood lumber could lead to withdrawal of Canada's complaint.
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