Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Boudreau, I learned something very interesting and important from your testimony. While travelling throughout the agricultural regions of Quebec in particular, but also during the meetings of the Agricultural committee in Ottawa, people from every province have often talked about the lack of flexibility in the programs for the provinces. It is rare, at least in Quebec, that people say that the CAIS, which replaced other programs and yet failed to meet the needs of farmers that were being met by such programs, is a good solution and that, because of the fact that it was implemented Canada-wide, it is the best solution.
This program cannot be adapted to all types of productions or to all regions. Grain producers know that this is an effective program when there is a prolonged drop in price. It is not predictable, nor is it competitive, with respect to the policies and subsidies provided in other countries. Obviously I am thinking of the U.S. Farm Bill here, as well as huge subsidies given in certain European Union countries. In committee or during our visits to find solutions regarding risk management, we often hear it said that it would be wise to fund companion programs that are already existing in the provinces.
In your opinion, is this an important change that the government should make?