Mr. Speaker, I am saying this quite off the cuff while also sidestepping the very appealing image of maple syrup. I think that if the forestry sector had made this suggestion, it would be a good idea. I think that is the direction they would have steered us in.
However, strategic reserves always carry one risk, which is that someone needs to purchase the product. Either the product is tied up without generating income, or the government funds the purchase.
The forestry sector tends to propose solutions that help move timber and continue to get it exported. Even if the Canadian government only bought back some of the countervailing tariffs, the industry has made it clear that even a partial buyback would be enough to maintain exports at a level that would in turn sustain activity levels in our forests and sawmills.