Natural Resources committee  I take a very different view on that. I don't in any way perceive any conflict in my role. I do have a very wide portfolio. I am the senior advisor to the minister on all matters within the portfolio, and that's the role of a deputy minister, to serve the public interest on all aspects of the portfolio.

Natural Resources committee  I think I've canvassed this point, but I will just say that the purpose of the calls that I attended—they were organized calls with the CNSC—was, one, to gather information on what was possible in terms of resolving the situation, and two, to ask that there be urgent action taken on the part of CNSC, just given the issue as it emerged across Canada as quite a serious medical emergency.

Natural Resources committee  I think it's a 50-year organization. I'd have to check that. I do not have that information, but I could provide it.

Natural Resources committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I'm happy to introduce Sue Kirby, who's the assistant deputy minister of the energy sector at NRCan. As you know, I was here on January 16 with my minister, so I just want to give you a bit of an update of what has happened since that time, really, on how we're moving forward.

Natural Resources committee  Mr. Chair, I want to first of all clarify that I certainly am informed of the program. There is a distinction between the work we are undertaking in our department with industry, and the provinces, which as everyone understands play a really important role in forestry management and assistance to vulnerable communities affected by the restructuring.

Natural Resources committee  Mr. Chair, that's true for the entire $400 million that was announced in Budget 2006.

Natural Resources committee  I think this is a very important question. Because of the complexity of the federal-provincial jurisdiction of forestry, it is important that we have this coordination. The Canadian Council of Forest Ministers is a forum that pulls together all the forest ministers—federal, provincial, and territorial.

Natural Resources committee  I believe that is accurate, when it comes to competitiveness and sustainability.

Natural Resources committee  This is a very important question. The package that was announced and passed in the past week does not go to the forest industry, nor would it be appropriate for the Government of Canada to provide such a level of assistance, given our trade obligations under the Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Agreement.

Natural Resources committee  Yes.

Natural Resources committee  Mr. Chair, it's the long-term forest sector competitiveness strategy. One big component is innovation.

Natural Resources committee  Yes, that's right.

Natural Resources committee  The $200 million is provided in Budget 2006, and I am aware of a commitment that was undertaken of $1 billion.

Natural Resources committee  Mr. Chair, I do agree. And just to clarify, the $200 million figure is the amount provided in Budget 2006.

Natural Resources committee  Yes. To clarify, the $200 million figure is the amount provided in Budget 2006.