I just wanted to be clear that the government does not support this amendment. It is government policy to do this type of regulation by Governor in Council and not by a single minister because of the importance of regulations authorized by this clause.
While the government is consulting with the provinces and territories on criteria for eventual regional exemptions, no legislation is required to provide this authority. Exemptions from the export charge are subject to conditions set out in the softwood lumber agreement and would have to be negotiated between the parties of the agreement. I would remind the honourable member that the parties of the agreement are Canada and the United States.
And I also want to point out, very clearly, that no province has requested this. They have no fears. They do not want this.