Mr. Chair, when we are talking about big issues at a national level that are affecting literally thousands upon thousands of people, and when we are talking about macroeconomics and international trade deals, what can often get lost and overlooked is the localized picture and the individual.
This is near and dear to my heart, and the forestry sector is near and dear to my heart on a personal level, because I was raised in a forestry worker's home. My dad worked in a pulp mill for over 50 years, prior to retiring at the age of 69. He worked as late as 69 years old because the mill went down in the community where I grew up, Nackawic, when my dad was 51 years old. As a result of that, the devastating effects he went through, such as loss of pension and other challenges, had an impact not just on him but on the whole community.
I hope that the House keeps in mind the personal devastation that forestry workers are experiencing right now. I wonder if the hon. member would comment on that.