Mr. Speaker, May 2 to May 8 is National Forest Week, providing a unique opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of Canada's forests to our environment, our economy, our culture and our history.
Our forests are a natural resource whose maintenance and management concern all Canadians.
The forest industry supports 337 communities and provides jobs for over 877,000 Canadians, including some residents in my riding of Oakville. As well, this industry is the net largest contributor to our balance of trade, representing over $31.6 billion in 1998.
This year, 1999, also commemorates the centennial of the Canadian Forest Service. Canadians can be proud of the vision of the Right Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier who 100 years ago created what has become Canada's principal forest research organization.