Energy 'on table' with U.S.

[CHIMO]

Energy 'on table' with U.S.
Minister makes warning as Rice begins Ottawa visit

TORONTO and OTTAWA - Canada could retaliate against the United States over the softwood lumber dispute by placing restrictions on any area of U.S.-Canada trade -- including energy -- by the middle of next year, the Minister of International Trade said yesterday.

Asked whether retaliatory measures against Washington could include a controversial proposal to limit energy exports, Mr. Peterson, speaking to reporters after an address to the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters, responded that "all U.S.-Canada trade" would be on the table.

Asked again whether trade restrictions could specifically include energy, the Minister reiterated that all types of trade under NAFTA would be considered for retaliatory measures.

http://www.canada.com/national/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=e8b74ac4-7bed-4eb8-81dd-f4ceefab94c9

[Spazito]

1. Good, it is the message that must be sent and the action that

must be taken until the bush government adheres to the NAFTA rulings.

Edited to add: I guess PM Martin saw the poll that 77% of Canadians want this kind of action and, seeing as there will be another election in Jan/Feb 06, he had best heed the numbers.

[CHIMO]

3. He Seems

To be in the middle. Don't think that he saw those numbers soon enough but it seems that he has had to make a statement in the House.

U.S. word on trade 'good as gold,' Rice says

In the House of Commons, Mr. Martin — responding to suggestions from the Opposition that the government's position was softening — again insisted Canada won't negotiate with the United States on the NAFTA decision.

"We will not negotiate a win," he said. "NAFTA will be respected."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20051025.wrice1025/BNStory/International/

So parsing his words one can only conclude that he will negotiate but won't let go of the money bit. So how much will he have to give to get back the money?

From another article.

Rice promises to bring Canada's concerns over softwood to Washington

Rice stressed that the Bush administration wants a negotiated settlement to the dispute, and added that she would take Canada's concerns back to Washington.

http://www.canada.com/national/nationalpost/financialpost/story.html?id=307d69ae-d884-48ed-886e-dc8958ab439a

One can only conclude after four years of tussles on this issue that no one is listening. If they haven't heard about it yet in Washington then what use has two US ambassadors been? One must assume that Wilkins isn't reporting the issue to Washington or that no one pays attention to him. Either way he seems to be a useless cog in the wheel.

[Spazito]

4. LOL, Rice and Wilkin's roles in Canada are to pat us on the head,

re-assure us 'they hear us' and that's it. I am finding it quite entertaining that Martin, being in a minority government position about to be soon tested again, electorally, will have to pay greater attention to the polls on this than he might have done otherwise. Canadians are pissed over this and he best tread lightly if he wants to move out of his minority position, imo.

[natrat]

2. them's fightin words in texas moron think