Mr. Speaker, since the softwood lumber crisis began, some 50 companies have been affected in Quebec, and 9,000 workers have been temporarily or permanently laid off. The worst is yet to come, since the U.S. industry is already talking about imposing other sanctions, despite the WTO's decision.
The president of the Quebec Forest Industry Council, Jacques Gauvin, wonders if there will be anyone left standing at the end of this conflict.
Will the government finally come to the realization that loan guarantees must be given and employment insurance benefits must be improved so as to allow businesses and the industry to survive these difficulties?