'New era' in Canada-U.S. relations bodes well for softwood: Wilkins
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U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins prepares for his speech to students on Canada-U.S. relations at the University of Ottawa in Ottawa Friday Feb. 24, 2006.
Photograph by : CP PHOTO/Tom Hanson
Colin Perkel, Canadian Press
Published: Wednesday, March 01, 2006 Article tools
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Font: * * * * TORONTO -- A bright new era in Canada-U.S. relations is dawning that might finally set the stage for an end to the softwood lumber dispute and other bilateral problems, U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins said Wednesday.
"I've never been more optimistic about this relationship,'' Wilkins said in a speech to Canadian exporters.
"There's a new tone; there's a fresh resolve to work together; a sense of a new beginning.''
Wilkins said he's optimistic 2006 will be the year a final settlement is reached in the seemingly endless softwood dispute between the two countries.
Given signs of "good faith'' by Washington, the ambassador urged the two sides to now renew discussions on the thorny dispute.
"I understand and appreciate Canada's frustration; you have legitimate arguments, (and) so, too, does the United States,'' Wilkins said.
"(But) the only way to bring finality to this issue is by negotiated settlement, not for one year or two years, but for the future; otherwise, you just have one lawsuit filed after another.''
As proof of good U.S. intentions, Washington slashed softwood tariffs in half in November and those could disappear altogether, Wilkins said, adding that he conveyed that message to Industry Minister David Emerson at a meeting on Tuesday.
In Washington on Wednesday, Canada's outgoing ambassador to the U.S. expressed more muted optimism about resolving the long-standing issue.
Frank McKenna confirmed that prior to the federal election in January, the two countries had been close to a softwood lumber deal that was scuttled by election dynamics and the differing expectations of provinces.
McKenna, who's to be succeeded Mar. 13 by former finance minister Michael Wilson, also suggested getting a deal now won't be easy.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said recently that Canada is anxious to shake hands on an agreement, but won't do so at any price.
Wilkins also said talks aimed at finding an alternative to requiring American citizens to carry passports while visiting Canada in order to get home are well under way.
A law passed by the U.S. Congress that mandates the use of passports for land travellers by Dec. 31, 2007 has been widely criticized on both sides of the border for fear it will put a huge crimp in cross-border travel and tourism.
Calling it a "work in progress,'' Wilkins said the latest talk is about developing a travel identification document about the size of a driver's licence that would contain information similar to that on a passport.
However, it would be cheaper and more readily available, he said.
"I'm confident we can work this issue out,'' he said.
Wilkins would not say if Harper and U.S. President George W. Bush have set a date for a bilateral meeting.
