Mr. Speaker, as the member pointed out, we have had the opportunity to talk about the situation in Rainy River and Thunder Bay. It is of great concern to him and it is of great concern to us as well. I am always happy to speak with any member in the House regarding forestry issues within their riding, so without question, I would be happy to do so.
With respect to setting up a forestry summit, we have done broad-based consultations across the country. I continue to meet with industry people across the country. I would be happy to discuss the concept with the members in the House to determine what kind of agenda could be set up and whether or not this is the right time to do so.
The reality is that we have developed a strategy. The strategy is in the economic action plan. We are now fully on the implementation and execution of that strategy in accordance with the needs of the industry. The communities have told us what they need.
On one side it is marketing and innovation of the forestry products and on the other side it is making sure that communities and workers have both help through the employment insurance work share programs as well as general help for economic diversification in the communities hardest hit.
Within that spectrum, I would be happy to speak with anybody in the House, but we must realize that there has been enough talk on this matter. We have put our strategy in place. It is in the economic action plan. I truly wish that if the member did feel for the workers in his community, he would go ahead and vote in favour of this economic action plan, so that we can get it going and get the communities where they need to be, which is with money and with better help.