Mr. Chair, when we have a debate like this, I think it is fair to have an exchange of ideas. However, I do not think it is fair for members to leave out the facts. I want to go on the record and outline some of the facts tonight.
A member said earlier this evening that since August 10 all that had been done by the government was the placement of one phone call. That is obviously not true. So, I am going to put the facts on the record. We have been working on four fronts since August 10.
First, the Prime Minister has spoken to President Bush and Secretary Rice. The Minister of International Trade has made calls and met with his U.S. counterparts numerous times, including Rod Portman.
On the second front, which is litigation, Canada is pursuing litigation in the U.S. courts, as well as at NAFTA and the WTO. We are pursuing this file in every legal form.
On the third front, we are looking at new markets to diversify our sales. Several ministers, parliamentary delegations and other officials have sought to expand our markets for our softwood lumber products. Over 43 missions around the world in 35 countries are targeting lumber as a priority export. The hon. member for Willowdale has led trade missions to India, Russia and the Middle East to help market Canadian know-how and products.
Finally, on the fourth front, on advocacy, we are taking this message to the American people. Ambassador McKenna is fully engaged to use the entire Canadian consular network throughout the U.S.. Of course there was the Prime Minister's speech in New York, where he was very courageous to go right into the economic heartland of America. I know that his speech was also carried in major Canadian publications.
I want to compliment the Prime Minister for another major issue he brought up in that speech, which is very particular to me, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Once again, it was a very courageous step by the Prime Minister in bringing that up in the heartland of America.