October 01, 2008
Cullen Questions Conservative Comment on Softwood Sell-Out
For Immediate Release, October 1, 2008
(TERRACE) – Incumbent New Democrat MP Nathan Cullen (Skeena – Bulkley Valley) called on his Conservative opponent to explain bewildering comments made by Conservative Chuck Strahl in Kamloops.
When asked about the illegally collected tariffs that the Americans have not returned to Canada, Strahl said he was holding out hope that the last billion dollars would be returned.
“Strahl and the Conservatives are trying to make up for the bad deal they made when they sold out our softwood industry to the United States,” said Cullen. “Are they now trying to suggest that the Americans are going to give back the billion dollars they owe us out of the kindness of their hearts?”
“We need a government that is not afraid to defend Canadian interests against the Americans,” said Cullen. “We do not, nor have we ever, illegally given unfair subsidies to our softwood industry.”
The final court of appeal was just three weeks away from ruling on the American claim and all indications were that it was going to rule in Canada’s favour. But the Conservative government pre-empted that ruling with a deal that has devastated the forest industry in the Northwest.
Canada’s forestry sector has lost 34,000 jobs since Stephen Harper became Prime Minister, including thousands across the Skeena-Bulkley Valley riding.
“New Democrats have shown they are willing to go to bat for forestry workers and their families,” said Cullen. “If re-elected, I will continue to find ways to regain our region’s economic strength in the industry and ensure good jobs for the people who live here.”
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For more information: contact the Nathan Cullen campaign 250-635-1751