Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Nighbor, the forestry sector is facing a major issue. It's difficult to obtain financial support from the federal government.
In 2022, I believe that we calculated that the forestry industry in my region, Saguenay—Lac‑Saint‑Jean, contributed more to government revenues than the total government support provided to the forestry sector across Quebec. Of this support, 75% came in the form of loans.
A primary processing company—such as a sawmill—that wants to modernize its facilities and that tries to do business with federal government funding agencies, including Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, is immediately referred to Global Affairs Canada. Generally, the answer is no. The risk of violating our trade agreements with the Americans is considered too high. This leaves little room for primary processors in the forestry sector to obtain financial leverage from the federal government.
I would like to hear your thoughts on this. Have your members also found it difficult to access funding?