David Emerson on Softwood Lumber

In the House of Commons on May 9th, 2007. See this statement in context.

Softwood LumberOral Questions

May 9th, 2007 / 2:45 p.m.

Vancouver Kingsway B.C.

Conservative

David Emerson ConservativeMinister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics

Mr. Speaker, I am a little surprised that the hon. critic is taking lessons out of the NDP book on sellouts.

I can tell the hon. member that if we did not have the softwood lumber agreement in place today, we would be facing NAFTA chapter 19 litigation. We would be facing duties of 30% to 40%.

The softwood lumber agreement brings stability. It brings a process and a positive, constructive way to deal with these kinds of disputes.

See context to find out what was said next.