The Softwood Vote

The Softwood Vote

The House of Commons will today vote on a ways and means motion to implement the Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Agreement.

Agreed to in principle on April 27th, 2006, and signed by Canadian and U.S. representatives last week, the Agreement provides:

Stable and predictable access to the U.S. market;

The repayment of $4 billion in disputed duties;

Provincial and regional flexibility; and
Certainty, instead of costly litigation.

The Prime Minister is proud to support an agreement that is backed by:

Two national governments;

All of the major softwood lumber-producing provinces; and

A clear majority of Canadian producers.

Canada’s New Government has secured a softwood arrangement that ends years of uncertainty and allows us to build a stronger, more prosperous Canada.  This deal deserves the full support of Parliament.