The Chair Recognizes that Sheena is on the Floor

Today's Headline announcing the new Canadian Federal Accountability Act reminded me of one of those cultural sensitivity lessons you're supposed to know in the business world. No, not about handing your business card with both hands to a Hong Kong client, not even how to avoid wearing your "ROOTS" sweatshirt in Brisbane.

The press in Canada made a big deal over the Conservative government following through on a campaign promise to introduce stronger anti-corruption measures and extend Access to Information coverage to Crown Corporations.

Yes, Stephen Harper "tabled" the new legislation. Meaning he laid it out for discussion, put it on the top ten list, gave it mad props. You see, Americans use the term "tabled" exactly the reverse. When a US associate uses that term, it means they've put it on the back burner, shelved it, saved it for a rainy day. I fear that not enough border crossers are clear on this nuance. Even online reference tools are no help, with both idioms listed. Way to sit on the fence, dictionary.com.

Sheena can only imagine that this cannot help the current NAFTA softwood lumber dispute. Negotiations must be like living in George Costanza's oppositeville. One can only worry. Many tables today are in fact made of BC pine.