Mr. Speaker, let me first begin by saying I welcome the opportunity to continue working with my hon. colleague in his critic file on trade, and I look forward to that work.
Softwood lumber, the forestry sector and its workers are extremely important to Canada. It is an issue that was raised not only by the Prime Minister with the President, but also by me with my colleague in the USTR. My colleagues have raised this with their counterparts as well.
I would like members to know that it is an issue we will continue to work on to defend the interests of the sectors and the workers. We will continue to do that, and I look forward to working with my colleague.