Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Tobique--Mactaquac for his question and for his work on this issue.
We are working hand in hand with Atlantic provincial governments and with Atlantic industry as well. Along with other provinces, Atlantic Canada is participating in the Canada-U.S. discussions in Washington this week.
Last Wednesday I met with the Maritime Lumber Bureau. I met with representatives of the Atlantic provinces as well. We discussed the progress made so far.
I can assure the member and the House that we are working diligently to ensure long term, open access for softwood--