Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you for your evidence, gentlemen.
Mr. Arason, you're becoming President and CEO of the Canadian Wheat Board at a time when we're in the eye of the hurricane. It has to be said that the Conservative Party of Canada — and the Canadian Alliance before that — had determined long ago what it wanted to do with the Canadian Wheat Board.
I'll remind you a little of the history. There was a motion by Mr. Harper, the current Prime Minister, in 2002, when he was a member of the Canadian Alliance. In their election platform, the Conservatives had already stated what they wanted to do with the Canadian Wheat Board. There was also the appointment of this task force to which they appointed opponents to the Canadian Wheat Board as it was. Then there was the Order in Council that prevented the Canadian Wheat Board from justifying its existence and ensuring its survival. There was also Bill C-300, by our former committee chair, and the dismissal of your predecessor, Mr. Measner.
Then you arrived. There was a plebiscite. It goes without saying that the first ballots were recalled because it didn't go the way they wanted, for barley only, not for wheat.
So you were chosen, Mr. Arason. There must be a reason for that. I imagine you're in favour of what the government wants to do with the Canadian Wheat Board. Exactly what is the mandate you were given when you were hired?