Mr. Laplante, I was elected in 2018, and I can tell you that, since that time, I have been continually hearing about the softwood lumber agreement. When I meet with forestry sector representatives in my riding, they tell me that it's crucial for businesses that we finally reach this agreement.
There is something I find hard to understand. When we were in power, we dealt with this situation in 79 days. Since the current government has been in power, three successive U.S. presidents have been elected, but our government has been unable to resolve this issue.
Business representatives don't talk to me about new niche markets or about reinventing themselves; they tell me that we have to reach an agreement. How is it that the issue has still not been resolved?
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you to the witnesses for joining us today.
Mr. Laplante, I was elected in 2018, and I can tell you that, since that time, I have been continually hearing about the softwood lumber agreement. When I meet with forestry sector representatives in my riding, they tell me that it's crucial for businesses that we finally reach this agreement.
There is something I find hard to understand. When we were in power, we dealt with this situation in 79 days. Since the current government has been in power, three successive U.S. presidents have been elected, but our government has been unable to resolve this issue.
Business representatives don't talk to me about new niche markets or about reinventing themselves; they tell me that we have to reach an agreement. How is it that the issue has still not been resolved?
I'd like to hear your comments on that.