Opposition wants Emerson before committee

[CHIMO]

OTTAWA — Some opposition MPs have decided to cut short their summer vacations in an attempt to force Trade Minister David Emerson to appear before a Commons committee to discuss the softwood lumber agreement with the U.S.

The three parties asked for the meeting in a letter to the committee's clerk on Monday. Since they form the majority, the committee chairman has no choice but to call a meeting within five days.

Emerson could appear at the earliest in a week.

Officials in Emerson's office refused to comment, saying the minister has yet to receive an invitation.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&pubid=968163964505&cid=1152569410599&col=968705899037&call_page=TS_News&call_pageid=968332188492&call_pagepath=News/News