TORONTO — Federal Conservative Leader Stephen Harper called U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins' comments on the softwood lumber dispute "out of line" Saturday.

In an interview with an Ottawa newspaper published Friday, Wilkins raised the ire of some politicians, including the prime minister, after he called upon Canadian politicians to stop their "emotional tirades" and negotiate a settlement.

Canada objected strenuously after Washington announced it would ignore a NAFTA ruling on softwood lumber in Canada's favour.

"I think the U.S. ambassador is way out of line," said Harper, who attended a Ukrainian Festival parade in Toronto on Saturday with Edmonton MP Peter Goldring.

"But a big part of the reason this has happened is the Liberal government has allowed communications with the Americans to break down entirely."

The softwood quagmire, which began in 2001, revolves around expensive duties placed on Canadian softwood lumber exports to the U.S.

On Friday, Prime Minister Paul Martin said the Canadian reaction to the dispute has thus far been firm and demonstrates the government's commitment to deal with the dispute on the basis of facts.

Harper said that while he makes no excuses for the ambassador's comments, it is now up to the prime minister and his government to respond and take stronger action.

"The prime minister should be calling the president," he said. "He should be calling him now to make sure this is being dealt with at the highest levels."

On Friday, the prime minister said he'd be calling U.S. President George W. Bush after the Liberal government has finished talking to the provinces and members of the softwood industry.

Martin also said the government would be looking for further input and support from the negotiatiors of the original 1989 free trade agreement, including former Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney.

"Canada has to be prepared to take a strong stand," Harper said in reference to the dispute. "But we also have to keep lines of communication open. It's very difficult to have influence when you allow a relationship to break down."

While Martin hasn't indicated whether his government would resume softwood lumber negotiations in the near future, Harper said Canada should hold off on talks for now.

He reiterated the Liberal government should try to resolve the situation at the highest level.

"I don't think there should be negotiation," Harper said. "I think the prime minister should call the president directly and I think he should indicate what measures Canada is prepared to take and what they could do together to move this situation forward.

"It's up to the prime minister first of all to get in contact with the president to get the ball rolling."

On Friday, Industry Minister David Emerson warned Canadians to gear up for a possible trade war with the United States that could see duties slapped on U.S exports.