Mr. Speaker, it is important for the communities in Canada to realize that no one on either side of the House has been laughing while we have been discussing the softwood lumber issue. All of us and all members in the House are very preoccupied with the fate of communities across the land over the softwood lumber issue.
The Prime Minister has been personally involved on the softwood lumber issue from day one. He has raised it at every opportunity he has had with President Bush. He raised it in the first meeting following the attacks of September 11.