Mr. Speaker, last Saturday I took part in a meeting in Val d'Or concerning the imposition of a tax on Canadian softwood lumber, which is unfair and punitive toward all Canadians.
This meeting was organized by Diane F. Raymond, on behalf of the FTQ regional council for Abitibi--Témiscamingue and Northern Quebec.
In attendance were a number of representatives of unions, the forest industry and the federal MP for Témiscamingue.
We believe we must consolidate our efforts in order to get special measures put in place to help out the businesses and workers affected by President Bush's tax.
The Government of Canada must, in conjunction with the provinces, find a long term solution in order to protect the interests of the forestry communities and their workers. Let us keep softwood lumber in Canada.