Mr. Evans, I have a question for you. As I am sure you are aware, we recently heard testimony from the industry. I am not sure whether you had a chance to read the evidence. Representatives appeared before the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. Naturally, there were some concerns about that deadline. We just heard the representative from Alberta say that the July 12 deadline will undoubtedly be met, however, we do not know what will happen with the other provinces. Thus, the industry has considerable concerns about this and is saying that federal money was handed over to the provinces, and that that money must now be passed on to the industry.
In your presentation and in your document, you say that you are still in discussion with the provinces. I would therefore like to know if you can allay the industry's concerns or, conversely, indicate to us whether the July 12 deadline should be extended?
Where is the department in terms of its negotiations with the provinces? Without necessarily referring to each province individually, can you reassure the industry on that score?