QUEBEC (CP) - Premier Jean Charest has asked the federal government to help the provincial forestry industry.

Responding to a question from the Parti Quebecois Opposition, Charest said he has already asked Prime Minister Stephen Harper to intervene and help out with some federal financial aide. This help would take the form of compensation for older forestry workers and communities whose economy is tied to the forestry sector.

Opposition Leader Louise Harel pointed out the forestry sector has been hit hard for some time and has had to pay $1.5 billion in compensatory duties to the Americans on softwood lumber.

Harel noted Harper is to meet U.S. President George Bush Thursday in Cancun and invited Charest to pressure Harper to raise the softwood lumber issue with Bush.

The last Quebec budget included several funding packages to help the forestry industry.