Good afternoon.
Madam Minister, I am pleased to hear you talk about the forest industry, because that is the issue I wanted to raise with you. Obviously, given that Quebec accounts for 40% of the industry and that a considerable number of jobs have been lost, this issue is of great concern. You say that you want to ensure, as part of your mandate, that the natural resources sector be in the best position possible to take full advantage of the eventual economic recovery. This is an objective that we share.
We all recognize the need to assist our forestry companies. The Government of Quebec has invested $100 million, which is a significant amount for a provincial government. The unions, the Quebec Forest Industry Council and the Forest Products Association of Canada are calling for immediate action. Some 21,000 jobs have been lost in Quebec since 2005, and 49,900 jobs since 2006, when you took up your position, unfortunately.
The government's response was to provide Quebec with $170 million over two years and strike a committee to conduct a study. The forest industry is asking for immediate loan guarantees in order to reach agreements and maintain operations. If you want the natural resources sector to be in a better position to take advantage of the economic recovery, companies must remain open. Today's situation is disastrous, businesses are shutting down.
Shouldn't you be reviewing your decision and providing the industry with loan guarantees, as they are calling for?