Clinton says fight for softwood

A U.S. president was in Canada, but this one was named Clinton. And he supports Paul Martin's call to stand up on the softwood lumber issue. The former president called for high-level negotiation to end the impasse, given that the tariff is costing for U.S. wood buyers.

"In view of the American position, how hard it's been, I don't see how your prime minister can be anything but really very publicly tough on this," Clinton told about 4,000 people in London, Ont., after a speech that drew a standing ovation last night. "I don't think he's got an option. If I were the Canadian prime minister, that's what I'd say... You've lost a lot of jobs and a fair bit of money."

Regardless of politics, Clinton has been seen as more likely to work with Canada. So it was good as long as he was in Canada to say the kind words. However, the current administration isn't likely to care about what Clinton has to say.

Clinton will speak at events in Toronto today and Calgary tomorrow.