Was softwood lumber deal a gift so Harper government could be more pro-American?

Even before Conservatives were elected, leaked cables show US was looking to influence new government on Americas, Afghanistan, cross-border initiatives.

By Lee Berthiaume

Published Jun 6, 2011 6:05 PM

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To the Editor

The Hill Times Photo: Jake Wright

US ambassador David Wilkins looks on as US trade representative Susan Schwab and Canadian trade minister David Emerson sign the softwood lumber deal in September 2006.

A newly-released diplomatic cable indicates the deal to end the softwood lumber dispute in summer 2006 was a gift from the Americans to bolster the Harper government’s credibility so it could be more pro-US in future dealings.

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