In the past, Mr. Bouchard, we haven't offered any loan guarantees. There are other loan guarantee programs, but BDC did not provide loan guarantees. We're starting to offer them for operating loans as of now. I'm going to go back to the office to check the answer to that excellent question, but I don't believe that's in breach of the softwood lumber agreement.
In response to your question, that business would be eligible. We don't draw any distinction based on sectors. In our view, the important thing is the business, the quality of its management and the project, if a project is involved. In the case of operating loans, the guarantee will be given to a financial institution. If a business wants a guarantee on its operating loan, it goes through its financial institution, and BDC then intervenes.
I'll be able to let Mr. Daignault talk about EDC's guarantee program later. There are other guarantee programs in Quebec and at Industry Canada.
With regard to softwood lumber, I'm going to cite an example of a transaction that we've just conducted this week. It involves a business that manufactures wooden windows. We've just granted $7.5 million in financing to support the switch or transition of a business that has just gotten into trouble. This is one example, but we do these every day. In fact, every situation has to be examined, just like the entrepreneur who stands behind his plan, what he is contemplating and how he implements his plans. That's important for us.
Our guarantee program is mainly for operating loans. It will be available starting tomorrow, April 1, but there are other guarantee programs for loans. In Quebec, the Government of Quebec has put a number forward, as you are no doubt aware. Industry Canada also has guarantee programs.