Madam Speaker, we in British Columbia know very well about the dependence of the British Columbia economy on rural industries and natural resources. We know very well that the lumber industry has been a major one for us in British Columbia.
This issue has affected not only the rural communities but all of us in the urban areas. That is one of the reasons we have come forth and formed a solid coalition in British Columbia. It is why our government has been saying to put aside our differences across the country and speak with one voice.
The strength of Canada depends on its natural resources in so many ways, on the rural economies and on agriculture. We know this. We have taken this position all along.
It is another reason we have a Secretary of State for Rural Development. We believe this is important. He has produced a sound document that analyzes all the policies we make in terms of economic development in the rural communities as well as in the urban communities. We know there are differences and that one size does not fit all. That has always been the strength of Liberal understanding. We understand that one size does not fit all, that rural communities need to have special strategies. We all have to come together to help them.