Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I thank the witnesses for coming to meet with us. I am also very happy to have an elected member here with us today. Welcome, everyone.
This is 2024, there is no denying that all governments need to work together. We cannot build an economy out of thin air. The economy is built on the resources that the land gives us and on ecology. I come from a rural riding where we have excellent forestry companies. Back home, we work together. Back home, we work with the provincial member of the national assembly, with the local officials, with the reeve of the municipality of La Vallée‑de‑la‑Gatineau, as well as with the reeve of the municipality of Pontiac. Together we come up with solutions to our problems. It is only by working together that we will succeed.
I am sorry, but we do not have time for playing politics. It is time for every level of government, the provincial, federal and municipal governments as well as the community and businesses to work together on finding solutions. I believe that when we work together, solutions will come.
The caribou need to be protected. That is not up for debate. When a species becomes extinct, that means others are at risk. Human beings are also a species. We all live together. Environments need to be protected. We need to protect the economy and the environment; they go hand in hand.
I also think that we humans have the right to live in dignity, have work and develop our regional economy. Forestry companies have a tremendous responsibility to guarantee prosperity, not only for today, but also for the future. You are responsible for ensuring our regional economy or that of Sacré‑Coeur not only for today, but for our children too, or they will leave our communities.
I would like to know what you expect from the governments. Do you expect them to sit down and work with you on coming up with solutions?