David Lametti

[Softwood Lumber, September 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her question as well as her work on the trade committee.

Let me remind her and the House that the Conservatives failed to initiate any negotiations or to reach any new agreements.

On the contrary, we have been working hard from the outset to gain the confidence of the industry, to understand the nuances of the Canadian industry from coast to coast to coast. We are working hard at our negotiations and we hope to reach the best negotiated settlement possible.

[Softwood Lumber, September 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, once again, this issue is a top priority for us, as the opposition is well aware.

We are currently in negotiations and working hard on a solution. We have unprecedented co-operation with the industry and with workers. We even went to Saguenay this summer to hear directly from workers and industry representatives, and they appreciate our efforts. We will continue to work hard to reach the best deal possible.

[Softwood Lumber, September 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, the former government did not start the process. We took on this issue from the outset and we committed to resolving it. We held consultations. There is unprecedented co-operation with producers, industry workers, and the provinces and territories. We do not want to reach just any old deal. We want a good deal for Canada.

[Softwood Lumber, September 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, it is ironic to hear the member for Lac-Saint-Jean saying that because his government did nothing to get the negotiations started. Our government, on the other hand, has been actively negotiating with the Americans from the outset. The Conseil du patronat du Québec even indicated that it “commended the Minister of International Trade, the hon. Chrystia Freeland, for all that she has done in defence of the Quebec forestry industry.”

[Softwood Lumber, September 20th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for her question.

We should first recall that the Conservatives did not initiate the negotiations and did not seek a new agreement when they were in power. When we came to power, we immediately addressed the issue. It is a priority for us.

We are conducting negotiations with our American counterparts and taking into account regional distinctions in Canada. Above all, we are taking into account Quebec's forestry sector. It is important that we advance this file—

[Softwood Lumber, September 20th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, we held consultations across the country. We understand the differences in regional positions. We understand the nuances of Canadian industry. It is part of what we are doing to move things along with our American partners. We have not yet ruled out any options in this matter.

[Softwood Lumber, September 20th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, this issue is a priority for our government. We are in the midst of serious negotiations on this issue. This summer, we had a very productive meeting with industry producers and workers in Saguenay.

Even the spokesperson for Unifor in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean praised the efforts of the Minister of International Trade. We do not want to reach just any old deal. We want a good deal for Canada.

[International Trade, September 19th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement”, signed in Kiev on July 11, 2016. An explanatory memorandum is included with the treaty.

[Softwood Lumber, September 19th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, this issue is a priority for us and the opposition knows that.

We are in the midst of serious negotiations on this issue. There is unprecedented co-operation with producers, industry workers, and the provinces and territories. Last week, the minister met with the U.S. trade representative, Mike Froman, in Washington.

We do not want to reach just any old deal. We want a good deal for Canada.

[International Trade, June 17th, 2016]

Madam Speaker, as the hon. member knows full well, there are many people in Canada who are for the TPP, and there are many people in Canada who are against the TPP.

We have promised Canadians that we would consult them on the substance, we would analyze their arguments, and come to a decision that is the best decision for this country moving forward.