Thank you, Mr. Chair.
We could have covered the issue of the Binational Industry Council fairly quickly. Fortunately, we have questions that can round out the issue.
I have been wondering: without an agreement, there will be no binational industry council, is that not so? Last week, we were informed that the start of the agreement was pushed back from October 1 to November 1. We were told that this was due to consultations with the industry. Furthermore, it seems that the United States and Canada have to await the decision by the US International Trade Tribunal before the agreement can be implemented.
Given the situation, we have to ask ourselves questions. In fact, we are told that the delay would be attributable rather to the sizable number of softwood exporters who decided last week not to drop their lawsuits against the United States following the imposition of punitive duties.
I am wondering whether or not we are currently caught in a quandary. The Americans told us that if the lawsuits were not dropped, there would be no agreement. However, we are now told that a significant number of people will not drop their lawsuits.
Is this not the real reason for the extension?