Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
Welcome to our committee.
I will outline my questions, which will be divided among you, and that will save us a bit of time in getting a response within the time limit.
This committee unanimously voted for and encouraged and ultimately was successful in getting the Prime Minister to advance the $1 billion forestry aid package from July to today. Mr. Lazar and Mr. Rosser, first, how much direct assistance will the forest industry receive from this? Second, the deputy minister for natural resources was here on Tuesday, but regrettably did not have many details about the process and distribution of that $1 billion. What insights into the details and conditions are you aware of?
Mr. Vincent, with regard to the putting together of that package, how were you and other industry associations consulted?
Mr. Simon, how much trouble is the Alberta forestry industry in, and are you aware of closures and layoffs in that province? From the issues that have been raised as solutions, what would you do with that $1 billion or more if the money were to be reconstructed in availability?
Thank you very much.