International Trade Committee on Feb. 26th, 2020

[Francis Schiller]

May I?

[Randeep Sarai, Liberal, Surrey Centre, BC]

Sure.

[Francis Schiller]

I think what's wonderful about the opportunity you have before you is that softwood is in Bill C-4. The reference to softwood offers the opportunity to amend that reference to include, in the case of Mr. Young, an independent study of the finished products that are not intended in the scope of the dispute. So we're not talking—

[Randeep Sarai, Liberal, Surrey Centre, BC]

The goal is if the resolution of the dispute is done, then none of the duties that he's paid should be paid. Am I correct? You get it amplified when he gets hit with 20%, and yours, because you value-add, gets higher. The goal is to have none whatsoever, and I think that's what we're trying to achieve.

[Francis Schiller]

Indeed, but as legislators you have to be conscious of this asymmetrical impact that has been inflicted on, or varying damage to, the industry. While the large primary producers are enjoying record prices and record sustained demands, the secondary sector in Canada is being negatively impacted. You've heard comments about having to relocate jobs in technology.

Right now you have the opportunity to provide for an independent study to reassure the Americans on this very specific sector of volumes, and this could make things better. It wouldn't impact the deal. It would impact the implementation of the deal. That's within the committee's purview.

[Ken Kalesnikoff]

Madam Chair, if I can, just one second.

[The Chair, Liberal, Judy Sgro]

Yes, go ahead.

[Ken Kalesnikoff]

COFI represents a certain group in B.C.

[Ken Kalesnikoff]

These groups are smaller independents. We're not represented by COFI, but when there's a—

ILMA, your Interior Lumber Manufacturers' Association, which I'm the chair of, and Andy is the chair of his, doesn't get called. It's always COFI that gets called, so that has to change as well. What these guys are talking about when it comes to products, the issue is about two-by-fours. This is not about panelling, siding, finished products. That's where it's got to change.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Judy Sgro]

Ms. Bendayan.

[Rachel Bendayan, Liberal, Outremont, QC]

Sorry, I don't have much time left. I just want to say to Mr. Young and Mr. Schiller that I know you've had meetings with the deputy prime minister's office as recently as today. I hear you at this committee. I think my colleagues opposite also hear you, and so we'll take that back. I'm not sure what is possible by way of amendments to the implementing legislation at this time, but we could certainly look at recommendations and what we can do. So let us take that back. Thank you very much for making the trip to Ottawa and making yourselves heard here today.

[Kevin Young]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Judy Sgro]

Okay, thank you to all of our witnesses here. We appreciate it very much that you've come and offered your advice to us. We'll see where everything goes tomorrow.

Yes, Mr. Hoback.

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

If you want to dismiss the witnesses that's fine, but I just want to talk about the—

[The Chair, Liberal, Judy Sgro]

Okay, so I should dismiss all our witnesses. I thank you for being here.

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

If you want to go in camera, that would be fine too. It's up to you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Judy Sgro]

Well, if we want to actually talk, then we can. There's nothing stopping me from going in camera, right?

Do I have the support of the committee to go in camera?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Chair, Liberal, Judy Sgro]

[Proceedings continue in camera]