And We

[CHIMO]

Thought that we couldn't be screwed any further on softwood. Well nothing is impossible.

Go to 11:31 in the section of AIH. (First part)

http://cbc.ca/asithappens/media/dailyshow/2006-09-11-aih1.ram

SOFTWOOD LAWYER Duration: 00:04:51

There is so much about the Softwood Lumber Agreement not to like. But at least we're getting most of our money back from the Americans, right? Well yes, technically. Of course not right away, though. Guess who has to cough up 5-billion dollars, while we wait for the U-S Customs Service to get its books in order.

Simon Potter is here to tell us. He is a partner with the law firm McCarthy-Tetrault. He represents the Quebec Forest Industry Council. We reached him in Toronto.

http://www.cbc.ca/aih/latestshow.html

[tuvor]

1. Okay, so if CDN taxpayers won't see the actual escrow $$ right away

because the US can't just write a huge cheque for $4 billion, but has to do it bit by bit over three years, does the same scenario hold for bush's made-in-Canada slush fund?

[CHIMO]

2. That Part

Wasn't clear. I played it back but I don't think Ottawa knows, or if they know they don't want to publish it.

Can't understand why they even have to bring it to Parliament when it will be signed tomorrow. Unless they are hoping that the Bloc will withdraw support and they will have an election.

Minister Emerson to Welcome U.S. Trade Representative Schwab

September 11, 2006

No. A/43

The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, and U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab will meet in Ottawa on Tuesday, September 12, 2006, for a bilateral discussion followed by the signing of the Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Agreement.

The signed legal text formalizes the agreement before legislation is introduced to complete domestic implementation of obligations under the Agreement.

The signing will be followed by a media availability.

Event:
Signing and media availability

Date:
Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Time:
3:00 p.m.

Location:
Tower A, Ninth floor
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario

Media representatives wishing to participate in the media availability must register with the Trade Media Relations Office at 613-996-2000 before 12:00 (noon), Tuesday, September 12, 2006.

For more information, please contact:

Robert Klager
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
613-614-8569



Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
http://www.international.gc.ca

http://www.news.gc.ca/cfmx/view/en/index.jsp?articleid=238489

[tuvor]

3. Thanks for reminding me: "Can't understand why they even have to bring it

to Parliament when it will be signed tomorrow."

I heard that on the radio today and had a WTF moment.

Perhaps someone with a little more knowledge than you and I would weigh in.

[daleo]

4. So, who says the Americans will even pay, then?

I mean, if they can renege on one deal (free-trade), why couldn't they renege on this too? I always figured Canadian taxpayers would pick up the tab, somehow or another.

[MrPrax]

5. I listen to that last night...

I was fuming...then I thought...ah fuck it...people in this country deserve exactly what they get. They fought wars to liberate other countries', but haven't lifted a finger to liberate their own -- so they arrive at the next election with a choice between two right dicks, an idiot yuppie and a traitor.

It's democracy grand...

[CHIMO]

6. And Now

Canada, U.S. sign softwood deal
Last Updated Tue, 12 Sep 2006 18:39:46 EDT
CBC News

Ottawa has sent letters to lumber companies, telling them that it will ensure that all companies that receive refunds contribute to the $1 billion US owed to the U.S.

So the federal government will introduce a special charge of 19 per cent on any company that doesn't chip in its share of the cost of the softwood agreement, CBC Radio News reported Tuesday.

Russ Cameron, of the Independent Lumber Remanufacturers' Association, said Ottawa is punishing small companies who think the deal is bad and won't want to participate.

"It's just pheonomenal," he told CBC News. "How can this be legal?"

http://www.cbc.ca/story/money/national/2006/09/12/softwood-signing.html

So the Canadian government (us) pays $450 mil to Bush's slush fund and $500 mil to the fighter's against canadian lumber. Then the government turns around and charges all who do not sign the deal a 19.5% tax to make up the difference for the slush fund and the gangster fund. On top of all that we all know that the government will never get the proper amount back from the US. It will be one big ...
Don't know what to say. At least publicly.

I can not believe that the Bloc will be supporting this. Not one bit.

[MrPrax]

8. Incredible incredible...

Understatement of the year:

"How can this be legal?"

It's actually the lead story on 'The World At Six' right now...

I assume the rumours of a Bloc - Tory deal was true and the Bloc will cover it's ass -- it's not like Quebeckers give a rat's ass what the other Canadians think and they have been immuned to any insipid nationalist anger by buys like Layton, who figures they will vote for him.

Amazing -- oft thought...are the Tories using this to drive out the remaining small companies on behalf folks' like Emerson's Canfor, so they can buy out their TFLs and FLs.

You would think that the Tories had a majority government or something... :eyes:

Sad day...

[CHIMO]

9. Well

My thoughts are probably a little more devious.

Perhaps Stevie is trying to paint the Bloc into a corner. My analysis is that Steve doesn't want to wait for an election next May as all who received the $100 a month will have had to pay tax on it, the GST rebates will be reduced and the 22nd will, perhaps be in Afghanistan. So continue stone walling in the hope that there is another election. If the Bloc balks then it is a vote of confidence and back to the rhetoric of the last election. If the Senate balks then it is senate reform and anti corruption. In addition, as the military contracts are awarded the losers will stir up shit.

Any way, just my tin foil outlook on the scenario.

[CHIMO]

7. A Question

Does the softwood deal have to be passed by the Senate?