I will vote against the amendment but not because I'm opposed to the principle. Indeed, I believe that going to the region to visit those farmers and learn other things about the region at the same time would be a good idea. The problem is that we have other work to do here. We have meetings that are planned and we have work to do afterwards. Those are long days and it would be difficult to reserve a full day to travel there.
If those farmers had asked us to go there, my reaction would be different but they know the kind of schedule we have and they accept that situation. That's why they've asked us to meet with them here. If, when they're here, they invite us to go to their region, we would take that into consideration.
Mr. Bellavance alluded to the disaster that happened when we tried to travel in the past. I was responsible: I had not recognized that all the members of the committee had to leave at the same time and that it would have changed the balance of the parties in the House of Commons. Now, I understand this issue and, at the same time, I see how difficult it would be.
So, I will vote against the amendment but for the main motion.