In Quebec, we used the figures put out by the Ontario office. However, we did not take into account shortfalls and the decline in property value, because it was difficult for us to argue on this issue. We did not do any studies. The AGÉCO group did a study to support the price per pound for quotas that were lost and the price of machinery, but that was not taken into account.
However, there is the famous 1.6 factor, which represents the difference in the quotas, because everything seems to have been worked out per pound of quota. If we can win on this issue, the figures and demands will be very similar to those of the other two organizations. I said earlier that there was a willingness within our communities to help out these people for economic reasons—that is very clear, we are talking about jobs—and in order to develop other markets.
As Mr. Bellavance noted, the Lanaudière region is very aware of the tobacco-growing issue, and the soil issue. Approximately 8,000 acres were used for growing tobacco on a rotating basis. So if farmers can get these funds, they will remain in farming. They will not grow just cover crops, they will be revenue-producing. So we must be given this opportunity. We need the same amount of money as people in the other two associations.