THE SOFTWOOD VOTE GOES TODAY

September 19, 2006

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.

Today’s vote represents one last chance for the opposition Liberals and NDP to put politics aside and stand up 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.