Minister, thank you for agreeing to meet with us and for agreeing to let this meeting be open to the public, since we are discussing very important issues. Of course, there are those in Quebec who are very happy with this agreement. Others are concerned because the costs incurred in connection with this dispute by the Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports will be reimbursed with our money. That outcome is somewhat unsatisfactory to us, but it has alleviated the crisis, at least for the time being. Nevertheless, some people are concerned.
First of all, with respect to quotas that have been set, is there room for the independents that have not exported any softwood lumber to the United States in the last five years? Moreover, I read that the Free Trade Lumber Council was worried that proposed taxation measures would hamper business opportunities for the Canadian industry when the industry flourished, but conversely, would marginalize the industry when the market was in a decline. As you know, there are no taxes above $355 whereas below that threshold, export taxes payable hinder Quebec and Canadian companies somewhat.
You mentioned draft legislation on export taxes. When can we expect a bill to be tabled?