Mr. Speaker, I would first like to qualify what has been said about Quebec's support to the Canadian strategy. It is clear that like the Bloc Quebecois, Quebec has always supported the federal government's will to return to free trade.
I think that one of the achievements of the present round of negotiations is that, so far, we have managed to maintain this consensus in Canada. There is no question of export taxes, quotas or agreements, as was the case in the 1996 agreement. It is something that has been settled already, and the Minister for International Trade is to be congratulated on that.
This is now phase two. Despite all of our efforts—and the Quebec government proposed important changes to its forestry development plan—the Americans rejected our proposals.
Does the hon. member agree that, to ensure the consensus on a return to full free trade is maintained, we need an assistance plan to help the industry, the workers and the regions get through this crisis? In this regard, Quebec has called on the federal government to take its responsibilities.
Is this assistance plan necessary for the consensus on a return to full free trade to be maintained?