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11-12
Solving the Softwood Lumber Dispute
Project type: Assignment
Related topic:
At Loggerheads: The Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Dispute
At Loggerheads: The Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Dispute
Subjects
Social Studies
Business Studies
Political Science
Business Studies
Political Science
Summary
Students will consider the complexities of the softwood lumber dispute and develop a plan of action to address the dispute.
Duration
2 lessons
Purpose
To explore and provide solutions to a current Canadian political issue
Before Exploring
On the board or chart paper, write the adage: It’s OK to criticize, but only if you have a better idea. Discuss with students that it is easier to offer criticism than a solution. Ask: Are there problems in the world that simply do not have a ready solution? Discuss students’ responses.
Outline the Opportunity
Direct students to the topic At Loggerheads: The Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Dispute on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Students will review Clip #4, and browse the rest of the topic, to answer the following questions:
- What were the major components of the 1987 Memorandum of Understanding?
- Do you believe Canada’s sovereignty was or was not compromised by the Memorandum? Why?
- If you were NDP leader Ed Broadbent, what would you have done or suggested in 1987 regarding the softwood lumber dispute?
Students can work independently or in pairs to respond to the questions.
Revisit and Reflect
Allow students time to share their solutions from question 3. Have students discuss whether their solutions would work today to solve the continuing softwood lumber dispute.
Extension
Students can write letters to their MPs outlining their ideas about the softwood lumber dispute.
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