Softwood lumber agreement...

Stardate 5682.70

It would seem a deal has been struck between the US and Canada. Is it actually a good deal for Canada? Or is it a sellout to appease Big Brother to the south? In the words of the man with the moustache...

NDP Leader Jack Layton also criticized the U.S. for keeping $1 billion in duties.

"It is incredible that such a thing could be called acceptable," Layton said.

"It's like if a judge said to a thief all you have to do is pay back 80 cents on the dollar and we'll call it even."

I'm not sure how I feel about this. I think we sold out somewhat, but then is it worse than the dispute raging on? This money has been awarded to the Canadian side 7 times in the dispute already apparently. I think this needs to be voted on in the House, like the Tories promised to do with international treaties. And how important is this to them? It is a top headline everywhere in Canada, and bottom of the list in the US, if it appears on the news at all...