Softwood Lumber Deal Reached

Canada's new government, led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has reached a new deal to resolve the softwood lumber dispute between the U. S. and Canada. While Prime Minister Harper acknowledged in the House of Commons this afternoon that the agreement does not solve all of the problems faced by Canada's forest products industry, it is a step in the right direction. I still look forward to the day when imports from Quebec to Connecticut are treated no differently than shipments from Maine. Of course, as a proud New Englander, I still trust Maine to employ fair and free market competitive techniques to stay competitive in Connecticut's markets, which will lead to better pricing for the consumer.

Recent events show how respectful dialogue and strong leadership is better than invective in addressing problems. With Conservative popularity increasing, it'll be interesting to see how this factors in politically as the new budget is presented next week. The Question Period theatrics will be entertaining as always.