International Trade committee  It's each company's decision as to whether they are going to sign the deposits. Obviously there's a lot of discontent; we're deeply disappointed that some of our concerns have not been addressed and that the minister and the Prime Minister seem adamant that they're not going to o

International Trade committee  Clearly, from our perspective, it's interesting that the minister has said that there might be an opening. On the other hand, he says the agreement is done, is negotiated, is complete.

International Trade committee  That's correct, but we are concerned that if in fact we make a statement that doesn't result in the 95% threshold, then the government will not pursue those changes we think are necessary to make this agreement viable. I think it's critically important for the Alberta industry to

International Trade committee  Thank you, Chair. Good afternoon. Thank you for inviting me to appear before you today. I provided a presentation to this committee on May 29 outlining the Alberta industry's concerns regarding the framework agreement that was announced on April 27. Today I will outline the Al

International Trade committee  Correct.

International Trade committee  I can't say that would satisfy it.

International Trade committee  There are a number of options that could be considered if we could have the opportunity to have that discussion, but so far we haven't. We would welcome the opportunity to sit down with the federal negotiators and discuss the circumstances surrounding Alberta and the beetle, and

International Trade committee  I'm not sure, Rob. Yes, the devil's in the details. We were supposed to be consulted on the details, but as you're aware, so far we haven't had a chance to have that discussion. We welcome the opportunity to discuss the areas concerning which we may not be able to see some rel

International Trade committee  Do you want me to answer the question?

International Trade committee  It's fair that you ask these questions. But you have to understand that because of our very small market share, Alberta is already on the verge of a surge now, without the mountain pine beetle. That's our concern. We have done enough analysis on this to know that Alberta would be

International Trade committee  Yes. I think what the entomologists have indicated is that the pine beetle is not going to stop in the lodgepole pine. It will continue. Jack pine is a very close cousin of lodgepole pine, and if there isn't aggressive action taken in Alberta, it won't take long before the beetle

International Trade committee  We have not determined what the impact in terms of job loss will be, because at this point in time we're unsure as to what the total impact of this agreement will be. We haven't had the opportunity to really evaluate that.

International Trade committee  Excuse me, could you please repeat your remarks?

International Trade committee  Obviously, we're on record as indicating that we could leave some money on the table if it were a good deal. What I have suggested in my presentation here today is that for it to be a good deal for Alberta producers, we need something concrete written in regarding relief around t

International Trade committee  First of all, I should point out with respect to consultation that it's not as if Alberta has been totally shut out. My reference to being shut out was to the final hours of the agreement, when we had legitimate concerns that weren't being addressed at that time. But other than t