Mr. Speaker, my riding of Sault Ste. Marie is one riding which relies heavily on softwood lumber. It is partly a resources based economy. What I have to say applies to the other cities which comprise the region of northern Ontario.
Softwood lumber is very important to that region and, indeed, it is important to the country. I thank the member for his excellent representations and indicate that this motion is likely to have very strong support.
Why is softwood lumber so important? Why is this one of the most important trade issues that the country faces? I will tell the House why. Softwood lumber is Canada's largest industry. It is an important issue because one in sixteen Canadians work in the forest sector. It is important because 337 communities are more than 50% dependent on forestry for economic survival.
It is important because Canada has 20% of the world market and 34% of the United States market. Goods worth $10.7 billion were exported to the United States market in 1999 alone.