Thank you for the question, Mr. Ste‑Marie.
First off, you're an exceptional colleague. I always really enjoy working with you. I'm glad to see you at the Standing Committee on Finance. I've had the opportunity to appear before you a number of times now.
When it comes to softwood lumber and sawmills, I'm from the Mauricie region, as you know, so forestry is part of our DNA. I have good news. Yesterday, the minister, Mr. Hodgson, met with industry executives, and federal and provincial stakeholders in that very important economic sector, which has been dealing with difficult circumstances for a very long time, as you pointed out. It's been going on for decades.
That's why we've created tools with the Business Development Bank of Canada to help the sector get through this time and explore opportunities for innovation. I think profound changes are needed. The federal government has a role to play and the provincial governments have a role to play, as you know, when it comes to fibre, the cost of fibre and the availability of fibre, to secure long-term prosperity for the industry. That's the reason for yesterday's big meeting. I think we are moving in the right direction.
I talk to people in the forestry industry regularly, to see how the programs we've put in place are addressing their current needs and how the programs can help the industry pivot and position itself for the future.