|
Canada Could Have and Should Have Done Better, Says CEP President |
|
|
|
Written by Wire Services/Staff
|
|
Friday, 28 April 2006 |
The President of Canada's largest forest union, the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP), charges that Prime Minister Stephen Harper "could have and should have" negotiated a better softwood lumber agreement with the U.S.
Said Brian Payne, "This agreement is flawed because it forfeits over $1 billion of Canadian sweat and tears to American aggressors in this trade war, and because it sets a threshold for continuing export taxes at a level where charges will be levied half or more of the time."
Payne noted that CEP research indicates that the revised export tax schedule negotiated late on Thursday actually would have Canadians pay more taxes than the previous schedule if applied to the last 10 years.
Payne also warned that the Americans have not given up their demands to change Canadian forest policies noting that the agreement contains a "so called policy exit clause" or a code for continuing negotiations to Americanize Canadian forest policies. "Canadians must demand a firm commitment from government that there will be no concessions to American demands on our forest policies."
"CEP nevertheless welcomes a negotiated settlement that can bring stability to a beleaguered industry," Payne added. "Those who would rather that Canada revert to NAFTA do not understand the failure of NAFTA to uphold Canadian interests. The only way to prevent continuing trade aggression by the Americans against the Canadian industry is through a bilateral treaty. It is regrettable that we did not achieve a better treaty."
"It is important that the $4 billion that will be returned to Canadian producers is now used to protect and enhance jobs in this country," said Payne who placed Canadian forest employers on notice to not consider this a windfall for investors and executives saying, "You have a responsibility now to use this $4 billion to protect jobs and reinvest in mills."
Payne said that it is unfortunate that the federal government failed to provide more support to Canadian producers, such as loans against the funds held in escrow, which would have strengthened Canadian resolve to secure a better treaty. |
