It is my pleasure to introduce this motion, but that pleasure is tinged with some disappointment, given the urgent situation that has existed for several years now in the forestry and manufacturing sectors. One by one, the Conservative and Liberal governments have tried to implement measures that have unfortunately proved to be inconclusive. What has happened is that the forestry and manufacturing sectors have continued to lose jobs, and there is a risk that this situation is going to get worse.
Yes, the government has presented a program, or a foundation, that implements certain things, but that does not reflect the urgency of the problem. The decision is being postponed until the budget. But there are people who are in real need of this program. It is fine to help the communities — and we think the money is inadequate — but we also have to provide assistance to the manufacturing and forestry industries directly.
That is why this motion is being made. I assume that everyone has read it. I can read it again, if necessary. The motion contains several things that may generate debate. I will be pleased to debate it with my colleagues, but I am satisfied that if all of the recommendations made to the government were applied the result would be that the manufacturing and forestry sectors would be able to come out farther ahead than they are now.
The notice of motion reads as follows:
Given the seriousness of the crisis rocking the forestry and manufacturing sectors, that the Committee recommend that the government introduce as soon as possible an improved aid package for the forestry and manufacturing sectors, including trade measures to support these sectors; systematically implement the recommendations of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, especially those regarding safeguards; bring Canada's trade laws into line with the those of the United States and the European Union with respect to anti-dumping measures; carry out open and thorough studies on the impact of all ongoing trade negotiations on the manufacturing sector, and report the adoption of this motion to the House at the earliest opportunity.
So there are a few things in the motion that could stem the hemorrhage occurring in the forestry and manufacturing sectors and that would give those two industries the boost they sorely need.
I am prepared to debate the various elements of the motion with enthusiasm, and most importantly with the hope that my colleagues will pass this motion.