Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you for your comments. They are most interesting. I can see a sort of trend in the east. In fact, we have not been to Quebec or Ontario yet, but I can already tell you that people share your concern for more flexibility in federal programs. We shall see what other presenters will have to say about it. However in the east, we have noted the same will as expressed by Messrs. Dingwell, MacIsaac and Weeks. People want more flexible programs, federal programs more focussed on regional priorities, particularly in the area of risk management.
In the west however, the point of view is different. You spoke about a vision for the future. My question is mainly directed to the people I mentioned before: Messrs. Dingwell, MacIsaac and Weeks. According to what the three of you said, it is important for the federal government to offer flexible programs. As for the vision referred to by Mr. Weeks, do you think this would be the answer, or at least one solution — since it is always difficult to have such a degree of certainty when planning for the long term — that would guarantee the viability of agriculture?