International Trade Committee on Nov. 4th, 2024

[Richard Martel, Conservative, Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC]

Okay, but how—

[The Chair, Liberal, Judy Sgro]

I'm sorry, Mr. Martel. You have 15 seconds remaining.

[Richard Martel, Conservative, Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC]

I wanted to know how a small group could prevail over a large group.

Thank you, Mr. Pelletier.

[The Chair, Liberal, Judy Sgro]

I have to get in one more person.

Ms. Fortier, you have four minutes.

[Mona Fortier, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you to both witnesses for being with us today.

We know very well that the Canadian government is concerned about this situation and that it continues to support the sector through investments, particularly in initiatives aimed at fighting forest fires and doing prevention. The government has invested over $800 million in the sector.

Many investments have also been made in the forest industry's processing sector. We're talking about a $130‑million program to accelerate the adoption of transformative technologies and create innovative products. While we wait for the agreement to be signed, things are happening.

Mr. Pelletier, in your presentation, you mentioned that you and other industry partners could help us. You'd like to play a role at the negotiating table.

Could you expand on that and explain how negotiations could proceed with the support of your sector? I'd like to understand more about your sector's contribution to the negotiations.

[Jerome Pelletier]

One possible approach is to work directly with the current Canadian government to ensure that the next agreement will be well coordinated with Canadian industry. Canadian industry needs to be able to trust the guidelines and processes that will be put in place.

[Mona Fortier, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Earlier, we talked about the potential that exists in terms of markets.

What other markets do you think the sector could consider, whether it's the U.S. market or other markets, to do more deals?

[Jerome Pelletier]

You always have to consider the Pacific markets or the European markets. However, as we mentioned earlier, the greatest opportunity is in the domestic market. We could make greater use of Canadian fibre, especially engineered wood, in new construction projects for 10 to 12-story buildings.

Today, we don't yet occupy this market. In fact, we're leaving it to the concrete and steel industries.

[Mona Fortier, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Have there been any talks about the potential this market represents?

The government has developed a strategy to achieve carbon neutrality, including in the construction industry.

Have any steps been taken in this regard?

[Jerome Pelletier]

Yes, but there is not yet a clear policy that is persuasive enough to bring about real change in this sector.

The Canadian Wood Council, which has a technical division, has helped advance the National Building Code in Canada. There are breakthroughs, but Canada hasn't yet been able to obtain the maximum from this market.

[Mona Fortier, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Among the markets you proposed earlier, are there any others we could access?

[Jerome Pelletier]

There is the bioenergy market, which is always available in Canada. Again, in European markets or Pacific markets, there's a need for new housing starts, and Canadian fibre could meet those needs.

[Mona Fortier, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

That's fine, thank you very much.

[The Chair, Liberal, Judy Sgro]

Thank you very much to both of our witnesses. It's very much appreciated.

For the committee's interest, Wednesday's meeting will be on consideration of the draft reports for the supply chain study and the seafood study.

Thank you very much.

The meeting is adjourned.