Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Thank you for being present here today and thanks also to Mr. Jeffery.
My first question is for the machinery and equipment owners.
From what I've understood, your difficulties are due to the fact that the companies are currently experiencing major difficulties. You told us it's important to preserve your expertise. In an article I read last week, Robert Dionne, President of the Association des propriétaires de machinerie forestière du Québec inc., said that 50 companies had ceased their activities in Quebec in 2008, and that perhaps there would be more in 2009. This expertise is truly in serious trouble. If the equipment owners disappear and this sector diminishes, your harvesting expertise may well disappear by the time the economic recovery occurs.
In view of the fact that the current situation is very difficult, could loan votes help the equipment owners? Do you have any measures to suggest to us?