Mr. Speaker, the forestry industry continues to struggle under the weight of the economic crisis and the government's indifference to the industry, communities and families that have been suffering massive losses for a number of years. We learned in our community that AbitibiBowater prolonged the shutdowns in the Thunder Bay and Fort Frances mills.
Exactly three weeks ago, I sent the Minister of Natural Resources a letter asking her to convene a national forestry summit to help the industry, communities and families get through the current crisis and to come out of it in a strong and competitive position. Such a summit was called for by the finance committee, the natural resources committee, industry, labour and now the opposition. Everyone knows this must happen and the callous indifference of the government is becoming more apparent by the day.
I urge all members of the House to join me in calling for, indeed, demanding that a national summit be convened by the minister and the government.