Mr. Chairman, I will try to be brief. I listened to my colleague with interest. I thought he knew but having heard his speech I want to assure him again that the government is very strongly committed to the WTO, to the launch of a new round at Doha.
When I met with Director General Mike Moore he indicated that Canada is considered one of the strongest supporters of the WTO. I think our track record there is quite a good one.
My colleague brought in softwood lumber and the unfortunate dispute we are in right now. He mentioned the five year agreement on softwood lumber that expired some months ago. He indicated that we ought to be proceeding at the WTO. That is exactly what we are doing. We are proceeding at the WTO. We launched a request for a panel on October 25. We have six specific fronts on which we are proceeding.
My colleague seemed to suggest that we should not make any kind of short term agreement such as the last softwood lumber agreement. At this point the government is determined to continue to move on the two fronts: the WTO and a series of high level discussions with officials.
I want to ask my colleague directly, is he advocating something less than going the distance at the WTO on softwood lumber? Is he advocating a more short term solution, such as the last agreement? There are some, who are in the minority, who are starting to propose a short term agreement on softwood lumber. Could my colleague clarify if he feels that is the way to go or should we see this through to the conclusion at WTO?