Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe that the infestation is a natural occurrence. The last outbreak, I believe, was in the mid-1960s. To date, I don't believe there is any way of countering the infestation in the forests.
Mr. Speaker, it is a natural occurrence. If you allow it to carry through with what it does, I understand it is a defoliation of trees. It is generally light to moderate, with patches of heavy defoliation. The department, along with Canadian Forest
Service, will be assessing the area and will be able to give a full report.
To the particular question, at the present time, there is no way of trying to fight what is, I believe, a natural occurrence. I believe the best way is to leave it the way it is and to let nature take its course. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.