Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced on Thursday the government has come to an agreement with Washington to settle the long-simmering softwood lumber dispute. . . . Despite the government's claim there will be no quota, producers could be hit with anywhere between a 5 to 15 per cent export tax should the market value of lumber drop. . . . The amended package also changed the definition of market share, related to the cap on Canada's portion of the U.S. lumber market. It also amends the so-called anti-surge rate — which penalizes lumber-producing regions and companies that exceed their quotas under the seven-year deal. (CTV.ca, Friday)
This is free trade?!
FEE Timely Classic
Why Managed Trade Is Not Free Trade by Robert Batemarco