Thank you, Mr. Chair.
This is a very important motion. Earlier today and at previous meetings, all of us expressed how important this file is and how urgent it is that action be taken. We have committed to conduct a study and we will be doing that, but I think this motion sends a signal to government, Canadians, and everybody who is involved in this industry that we can offer short-term solutions. I think the study would probably focus as much on the medium and long term as on short term, and it would still be important. This motion will not contradict the need for a study.
I want to make an amendment, and perhaps it might be accepted as a friendly amendment. So as not to have any limitation or restriction on the size of the aid package, I wonder if Ms. DeBellefeuille would accept this as a friendly amendment and remove the dollar figure, which is $1 billion. The motion would then say “improved aid package for the forestry and manufacturing sectors to diversify forestry economies”.
The other part of my amendment relates to where it says “which is to be administered by Quebec”. Instead of “and the provinces”--and I don't know if it's the translation--I would want it to say “and other provinces”.
We will be supporting the amended motion.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.