December 01,  2004

Bush’s visit opportunity to resolve trade issues

( Ottawa )  According to Inky Mark, M.P. , U.S. President George Bush’s first official visit to Canada is an opportunity to begin resolving ongoing trade issues such as, softwood lumber, grain, pork and beef.

“It is time that the Prime Minister set party politics aside to work in the best interest of all Canadians,” Mark commented.

“Successive Liberal governments failed to make Canada-U.S. relations a priority.  As a result, our lumber industry, our cattle and pork producers, and our grain growers are suffering.  80% of Canada ’s production is exported to the United States at a value of just under $400 billion.”

This marks Bush’s first official visit to Canada .  That it is his first official trip following his re-election has been regarded as a sign that tensions between the administrations of the two countries have finally started to ease.

“With improved relations between Canada and the U.S. , many of our industries should get back on track.  It is up to the Prime Minister to take advantage of this opportunity to improve relations between our countries and to promote Canadian interests,” Mark concluded.