Mr. Speaker, as you mentioned, I sent you a letter to ask for an emergency debate on softwood lumber and the present situation in that industry, following the United States' decision to impose a 29% duty.
Such an emergency debate would allow us to take stock of the situation. I had the opportunity to visit the regions of Quebec and I know that the people are very concerned. Already we expect some sawmills to be closed, especially the small ones, in municipalities where they play an extremely important role. Often, the mill is the only business giving work to people and if it shuts down, so will the whole town.
Therefore, we could take stock of the situation in Quebec and in all of Canada, given the decision made by the United States, and we could examine whether it would be appropriate to develop an assistance plan for the industry. When I say the industry, I also mean the workers, the people in the plants. Finally, we could discuss the nature of the assistance plan.
Over the last few days, we had the opportunity to ask questions, especially to the Minister for International Trade and the Minister of Human Resources Development, but we did not really get any answers.
I think the members could compensate for such a lack of imagination by suggesting a series of measures, as the Bloc Quebecois has been doing for the last few days.
Therefore, I respectfully submit this issue to your attention.