Lack of industry support for softwood deal leaves taxpayers on hook: NDP

[tuvor]

VANCOUVER (CP) - Canadian taxpayers could end up sending the Americans a cheque for millions of dollars because Ottawa is not getting the support it expected from the lumber industry for the softwood deal, says an opposition critic.

The agreement initialled July 1 guarantees the U.S. government and American lumber producers split $1 billion US in duties paid by Canadian lumber exporters. The Canadian companies are supposed to get back 80 per cent of the roughly $5 billion US in duties paid since May 2002 if they sign over their duty refunds to Ottawa so it can fulfil the $1-billion commitment to the Americans.

But New Democrat trade critic Peter Julian said Tuesday the payout is based on exporters who are owed the equivalent of 95 per cent of the total duties paid signing waivers that give Ottawa the power to undertake the cash split.

http://www.cbc.ca/cp/business/060829/b082976.html