Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Welcome to all our witnesses.
Today's discussions are very interesting, but so were last week's. I think some consensus is emerging. I think that all the players, including those from the forestry, agree that there is no economy without the environment. The economy cannot be built out of thin air. It requires a solid environment.
The potential disappearance of the caribou is a sign of the decline of our forests. There does not seem to be any dissent on that. In my riding, Pontiac, there are some good forestry industries. The industry has evolved and adopted sustainable practices both for production and export. Consumers are looking more and more for sustainable practices and the industry has adapted.
However, let's be clear; it is the governments' responsibility to protect the environment, not just for us, for today's jobs, but also for those of tomorrow. I heard Chief Dufour say that he would like his children to be able to continue working in the forestry sector. It is the governments' responsibility to set clear objectives. When we talk about the decline in caribou populations, we are talking about the decline in the forest and the forestry industry in the long term.
It is important to seek consensus from all the players on this. We have to work together. We need consensus to find solutions. We have publicly said that as soon as Quebec adopts appropriate measures and states its strategic plan for protecting the caribou's environment, for protecting our forests and our future, we will no longer need the order.
I would like to address Mr. Branchaud.
How long have you been asking the Government of Quebec to do more for the caribou?