Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister for International Trade.
With respect to France's ban on asbestos, French Prime Minister Alain Juppé recently announced his government's decision not to grant the exemptions Canada had asked for regarding asbestos cement in particular. Bear in mind that more than 2,000 jobs depend directly on this industry in Thetford and Asbestos, in Quebec.
In light of the fact that France's reaction is guided by emotional rather than rational, scientific reasons, what is the minister waiting for to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization to obtain the exemptions sought or $20 million in compensation for lost exports?