My point is this, Mr. Emerson. Essentially, under the current benchmark price, we'll be paying more than we are under the illegal tariffs.
As we've discussed, and as has become clear through this committee hearing today, we're talking about two hurdles left, one of which was suspended by your government, which was the non-appealable ECC challenge. So we basically have two hurdles to go before we cross the finish line—not the three years, not the seven years of some of the more extravagant statements; we have two hurdles to go. What I think is surprising to the industry is why we don't go over those two hurdles, cross the finish line, and ensure that it is very clear that Canadian lumber is not subsidized.
This is the problem with the agreement: it erases the four years of legal victories; it has running rules that are not viable; it gives away $1 billion; it in a sense fuels Lumber V, because the American softwood industry actually has the cash to come back at us; and it eliminates jobs. So I'm not satisfied with any of the answers we've received today.
What I would like to do is put three more questions. My final question I'll put first, which is this. What is the alternative plan? This deal has received substantial opposition from the industry and from many others, and very clearly, members of this committee, which represents all four political parties, are concerned about the agreement, so what is the alternative plan?
The two other specific questions I'd like to ask concern your earlier comments that the EDC would be flowing money to companies—essentially, Canadians picking up the tab—prior to any moneys coming back to Canada. We know that in the agreement Canadians are guaranteeing $1 billion to the United States. My question is this. In the process with American Customs, what is the appeal for Canadian companies? And who is auditing the amount that will be coming back to these Canadian companies? In other words, if the Canadian companies are in disagreement with what Customs might be providing, who is auditing the amount and what's the appeal process?
And I would like you to answer the question, what is the alternative plan?