Mr. Speaker, Canada's new government delivered an agreement supported by two nations, the lumber producing provinces and a clear majority of lumber companies.
For five years the previous Liberal government played with the lives of 165,000 Canadians and over 260 communities that depended on the lumber industry when it refused to work out the dispute with the United States. When our government took office, we got it right. If the hon. member opposite wants to point fingers and blame, he should point them in the right direction.
Before this deal was secured, the Quebec lumber companies were prepared to accept a return of 75% of duties collected. Our deal delivers 80% and a certainty of market access. Canada's new government delivered a deal that is good for Canadian workers, their families, and communities that depend on this industry.
I think the lumber industry prefers this agreement to the endless litigation and dithering that the previous government seemed fine with. The softwood lumber deal clearly shows that a government that puts Canadians ahead of partisan politics will always deliver what is in the best interests of Canada.
