Mr. Speaker, it is very apparent that the workers, the communities and the industry affected by the softwood lumber crisis are not a priority for the Prime Minister. The many months long and one sided negotiating strategy of the minister has not inspired confidence and now there are real questions about whether Canada is prepared for the U.S. lumber lobby counter proposals.
There is no evidence that the minister has initiated a cost analysis to guide the Canadian response. Why is the minister waiting to do the necessary homework?