Provincial Politicians’ Softwood Opinions Vary
Friday, May 19, 2006 at 17:43
A Provincial Government Minister says he doubts Canada’s new softwood deal with the U.S. will help move along a sale of the Prince Albert Pulp and Paper Mill.
Eldon Lautermilch says the new deal lowers the amount of softwood Saskatchewan mills can ship to the U.S., something that won’t make the mill any more attractive to potential buyers.
Lautermilch says the deal isn’t fair to the province, when you consider Quebec is set to receive a larger quota than it can fill.
He hopes the Federal Government can somehow be persuaded to tweak the deal before it signs on.
Meanwhile, Prince Albert’s Member of Parliament is voicing his support for the new softwood deal between the U.S. and Canada.
Brian Fitzpatrick says the agreement is a welcome alternative to the years of litigation that preceded it.
Critics of the deal have stated it will handcuff the province’s ability to expand in Saskatchewan.
However, Fitzpatrick says there are provisions that will protect the province’s interests.
Fitzpatrick says the deal also puts $4 billion in returned duties back into the pockets of Canadian companies; something he feels will improve prospects for a potential sale of the P.A. Pulp and Paper Mill.