Timber truce ultimatum draws fire

[CHIMO]

Softwood producers reacted angrily Thursday to Ottawa's threat that it will offer them no further help if they reject the Canada-U.S. timber truce, with one person warning that some CEOs might boycott next week's summit with International Trade Minister David Emerson.

The Conservative government delivered its hardball warning Wednesday even as Mr. Emerson invited two dozen forestry chief executive officers to Toronto Aug. 9 in an attempt to salvage the controversial deal.

“I am not sure CEOs are going to feel like it's a good use of their time to fly to Toronto just to have the riot act read to them,” said Jamie Lim, president of the Ontario Forest Industries Association.

An irate British Columbia lumber industry executive warned that some CEOs might skip next Wednesday's meeting if Ottawa doesn't abandon its hardball tone.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060803.wsoftwooddd0803/BNStory/Business/home

[tuvor]

1. This government's got it all ass-backwards.

They were supposed to be playing hardball with the US ("don't capitulate"), and standing up for Canada (campaign slogan).

It's almost like they were playing us for suckers.

[Spazito]

2. I hope they keep up with their arrogance and petty behavior

harper and his minions are acting like spoiled children wanting to take their ball and go home because others didn't like their bullying.

The longer they keep trying to sell their atrocious deal, the more Canadians will see what assholes and US sycophants they are and their poll numbers will continue to drop.

[MrPrax]

3. At this rate...

the public is going to demand that the government fall regards of the Opposition's timing. More dead Canadian soldiers don't help, especially with MacKay's beligerant committee appearance, where apparantly our troops are dying because they are fighting 'cancer'.

I thought I heard this incorrectly yesterday on the late news, but I find this morning -- no I got it right.

So IF Harper doesn't get his way, then he IS going to force the Government of Canada BOYCOTT trade negotiations?

Well if this isn't a prima facie act of treason, I don't know what is...

[CHIMO]

4. MacKay Er...Hmm..

and buddy

[MrPrax]

5. ROFL

The Star of David one is quite daring actually...LOL

Thank You...needed a laugh...it's Friday!!

Good post BTW

[daleo]

7. The phrase "stick a fork in 'em" comes to mind. n/t

[CHIMO]

6. Ottawa may change softwood pact rules

OTTAWA - Ottawa may try to proceed with passage of the Canada-U.S. softwood deal without near-unanimous support of industry players as envisaged under the pact, government sources suggest.

"We need a clear majority of the industry in order to proceed but no individual firm, nor a minority of the industry, will hold this up," said a senior government official, on condition of anonymity.

The official, however, did not define what would be considered a "clear" majority. Nevertheless, this is the first indication that the Conservative government may try to change elements of the deal to secure its passage.

As currently written, the deal goes into effect only with the support of 95% of lumber companies who are owed duties. They must also agree to drop litigation against Washington.

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/story.html?id=9f5a251b-996d-4038-a540-28a9da462c00&k=7894

If you can't win by the rules then you change the rules. Just crap. Appear strong and push for the limit and then slide it under the carpet.

Feds' softwood summit puzzles lumber execs

Fri, August 4, 2006

VANCOUVER -- Members of Canada's forest industry are puzzled why International Trade Minister David Emerson is summoning top lumber chief executives to a meeting on the government's foundering softwood lumber deal with the United States.

But a recent report by investment firm BMO Capital Markets warned the deal would have "a significant detrimental impact" on Canada's paper and forest products sector.

http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Business/2006/08/04/1718140-sun.html

So they are getting negative feedback from the industry and the bankers and they still don't understand. But the only one talking on the issue is Emerson.

No mention of Israel, softwood as Harper lists highlights
Last Updated Thu, 03 Aug 2006 14:57:06 EDT
CBC News

Prime Minister Stephen Harper steered clear of the softwood lumber deal and the Conservatives' strong support for Israel as he highlighted the government's accomplishments to his party caucus on Thursday.

Harper said unlike the Liberals, the Conservatives take a stance on issues, which makes governing a "whole lot easier."

"It's hard to get things done when you don't know what you believe in," he said.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/08/03/harper-caucus.html

It is becoming more apparent that we are seeing what Stevie believes in.