Thanks very much, Chair.
Thank you to our witnesses for being here.
I think it's fair to say that as a government we truly value expanding our international markets for our farmers. I must say, not only is Minister Ritz a strong advocate, he's on the ground in these foreign countries promoting Canadian agriculture. I know every time he's gone because I hold the fort back here for him in the House of Commons and on other things; he travels quite a bit. I know he's going back to China to do his work, and he'll be promoting pork and canola and a host of other products in China. I must say, he's been very successful as well, and I think commodity groups across Canada have benefited from his work.
There was a bit of talk about WTO and trade agreements. I will say the advantage of a WTO is if it succeeds, of course, it's a trade agreement with many other countries, but the complexity of dealing with many other countries to put it in place can take a long time. We've moved ahead with bilaterals, with other trade agreements.
I'd like to ask Monsieur Coutu and Monsieur Pomerleau.... In the House of Commons, when we're putting forward trade deals that we want Parliament to approve, we face pretty stiff opposition. Opposition parties fight us tooth and nail on these. We get them through; it takes a long time and it takes a lot of effort, but it's for the good of our farmers. I'd like to know your view on these trade agreements and whether you see them valuing pork, for example, and whether, Monsieur Coutu, you see them valuing the commodities your organization represents.