Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Specifically to the issue of the softwood meeting, I agree; I don't think it would be prudent to have discussions outside of an in camera perspective. As we know, it's a framework, and discussions have clearly indicated that it's going to take several more months to get all the details finalized. I wouldn't want to jeopardize that.
But being a new member to the committee, I would like to take you up on your offer of hearing from the department staff and getting a briefing. My colleague Mr. Lemieux hasn't even received his briefing book yet, and I just received mine, so we haven't had a chance to get an overview. I appreciate the indulgence of the committee, and I apologize if it slows you down for a meeting or two, but I think it's probably prudent that we all come together and sing from the same song sheet in order to move forward.