I call the meeting to order. Welcome to meeting number 10 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format pursuant to the House order of November 24, 2021.
Measures regarding the use of masks in the House of Commons precinct have been extended until June 23, 2022. Please note that masks must be worn in committee rooms except when members are at their place during parliamentary proceedings. However, it is strongly recommended that members wear a mask even when they are at their place during parliamentary proceedings.
All those inside the committee room should follow best practices of maintaining proper hand hygiene by using the hand sanitizer provided.
As the chair, I will enforce these measures, and I thank you for your co-operation.
To ensure an orderly meeting, please note that you may speak in the official language of your choice. At the bottom of your screen you have the choice of floor, English or French. If interpretation is lost, please inform me immediately, and we will ensure interpretation is properly restored before resuming the proceedings.
When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly. When you are not speaking, your microphone should be on mute.
All comments should be addressed through the chair.
Today we are continuing our study on the Canada-United States relationship and its impacts on the electric vehicle, softwood lumber and other sectors.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, January 31, the committee is resuming its study on our relationship and its impacts. Today's meeting pertains to the softwood lumber sector.
With us today by video conference is Mark Warner, counsel, Pilot Law LLP, as an individual; from Alberta Forest Products Association, Jason Krips, president and chief executive officer; from the British Columbia Council of Forest Industries, Susan Yurkovich, president and chief executive officer; from Forest Products Association of Canada, Derek Nighbor, president and chief executive officer; from Québec Forest Industry Council, Jean-François Samray, president and chief executive officer, and Michel Vincent, director, economics and trade; and from the Quebec Wood Export Bureau, Sylvain Labbé, chief executive officer.
Welcome to all of you. I apologize for the delay.
We will start with Mr. Warner for an opening statement of up to five minutes.
Go ahead, please.