Agriculture committee  Fred will answer that question.

Agriculture committee  Yes, that is a good answer. But just to start off, you're right, the reason we approached the federal government—because it is a national problem—is the national situation with the sale of tobacco across the country. And rightfully so, it is the federal government that is the top echelon of government, so you would go to them first.

Agriculture committee  Of course. Everyone should be part of the solution.

Agriculture committee  Yes.

Agriculture committee  Yes.

Agriculture committee  Thank you for the question. There's no way I can respond to that, whether it's right or wrong. It's people we'd better start dealing with here. We have people suffering. As far as motions are concerned, those bring it to the forefront and have done that. We do need a comprehensive program, but the point of the matter is that that's a lot to say; get at a table and get it done.

Agriculture committee  If I can answer the question, the marketing board is duly elected, so there is an election process every year on a rotational basis for directors of the board who do handle all that. As far as other groups go, you know what, there's nothing wrong with that. It's wonderful. People have to come together.

Agriculture committee  Yes.

Agriculture committee  This is not a question of retirees whatsoever, sir. I do appreciate that. The average age is 60, and the tobacco farmer needs a solution. They need a program, and they need it now. And yes, the province has to come on board as well. They have indicated to us that the solution--I know, wrap it up--is to let the product pay for the solution, and I think that all of us have to sit down together and get there.

Agriculture committee  Not at all.

Agriculture committee  Yes. At that time, that's the way it was set up.

Agriculture committee  It's 60. We got older in the last two and a half years.

Agriculture committee  Thank you. Good morning. I am Linda Vandendriessche, the chair of the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers' Marketing Board. With me today is Fred Neukamm, vice-chair of the board. And just to let you know, all directors who sit on the board are tobacco farmers. On behalf of our board, I would like to thank you, Mr.

Public Safety committee  First of all, I have to find out where they're seized.

Public Safety committee  I'll answer that. I sat on a committee looking for alternative cropping for our area for many years, and I can tell you there is no silver bullet out there. The production of peanuts did start. It seemed like something that could happen on sandy soil. We have, basically, one individual left who produces peanuts.