Thank you. Here is my motion:
That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), given that 26 mills have closed and over 10,000 workers impacted in British Columbia alone, and that Quebec forest products are still affected by 20% taxes and tariffs from the United States, the Committee undertake a study of the forest industry and what action the Government of Canada can take; that the witness list include representatives of provincial and indigenous governments; representatives of impacted communities; representatives of labour organizations; industry experts; Canada's Minister of Natural Resources; Canada's Minister of International Trade; officials from the Department of Natural Resources Canada, Global Affairs Canada, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Western Economic Diversification; that the study contain no less than 10 meetings and commence on February the 27th and that these hearings be televised when possible; and that the Committee report its findings to the House.
Mr. Chair, I've certainly been anxiously waiting for this committee to get up and going because of the significant crisis. If you will note, the date I've suggested that we commence does allow us the opportunity to deal with what I understand is a very short timeline in terms of the letter that we received, which the clerk distributed earlier, on what next Tuesday is. I thought it was imperative to get this motion on the table quickly because, of course, next Thursday will be rolling around and I know that it's a challenge for the clerk to get things going. I thought it was a good thing to have a conversation about and to discuss in this meeting today.
Thank you.