International Trade committee  Thank you. A billion dollars is the amount of money that was left behind the border at the last trade dispute, $500 million of which went to the coalitions of U.S. producers who brought the complaint. The other $500 million went to what we call “meritorious initiatives” to promo

International Trade committee  That's a very good question. In fact, wood doesn't travel very easily in general, and it depends on where it goes. We have considered some solutions. That said, we know that wood from Europe goes from the Scandinavian countries to the United States. The reverse trip could also

International Trade committee  We see it primarily as a logistical issue. You can't fill a ship with lumber, because the volume and the mass make it not optimal. However, you can supplement cargoes, such as a cargo of pulp or paper, for example, with lumber. These are possibilities we are exploring, but the

International Trade committee  We're certainly supportive of dialogue. We try to encourage it and participate wherever we can, whether it be having our own relationship with the National Association of Homebuilders, which we do, or keeping engagement with the federal government, the provincial governments and

International Trade committee  I would say it's even more than what you're saying. You cite the rates that are expected to come into effect later this year. Right now we're paying 30%, whereas the total of what you've noted is 20.24%. I am confirming not only that, when Resolute was specifically audited, the

International Trade committee  Absolutely.

International Trade committee  We have always requested recognition of Quebec's forestry regime, which is based on Oregon's regime, if I'm not mistaken. We have always asked that there be recognition, if there is an agreement, that certain plans are market‑based and that punitive rates be eliminated.

International Trade committee  Thank you.

International Trade committee  We will have to see how that is implemented. We favour a collaborative approach. The Government of Quebec also looked at this issue. To answer your question, if we reduce the cut areas, that will change the distribution of the areas allocated to producers to harvest. When we hav

International Trade committee  We don't agree with that conclusion. In fact, we believe that, in addition to taking into account socio‑economic interests, we must ensure that we are well supported by science. Several people who are more familiar with the scientific issues than I am have questioned the hypothes

International Trade committee  It's not a demand problem. I will put it that way. I think it was Jean Chrétien who famously said to Paul Martin, when he handed over the keys, something like, “There's free trade between the U.S. and Canada on everything except softwood lumber.” The reality is—and there are fol

International Trade committee  I'll answer your question in two parts. The U.S. government has done a very damaging analysis of the treatment of Quebec's forestry regime. It claims to be comparing the price of standing timber to that of Nova Scotia. The World Trade Organization rejected that approach, but tha

International Trade committee  This is a factor that makes the cost structure more important to lumber producers. We also know that in recent years the cost of fibre has increased significantly in Canada. Producers are facing a significant increase in costs and this is having an impact. I will say, though, th

International Trade committee  Is that for me?

International Trade committee  It has cost us $430 million U.S. over the last five years, since the conflict started again. That means there are investments that we haven't been able to make. Last year was still a good year, given the lumber prices we enjoyed. We have been able to reduce our debt. As for your