Another suggestion we have to make things better is what I think is a no-brainer, and that is a buy-Canadian policy.
U.S. producers continue to benefit from a buy-U.S. policy for all taxpayer-funded programs and agencies. You're talking military, hospitals, schools, prison systems, all sorts of things. This policy has resulted in great benefits to U.S. producers through the purchase of surplus agricultural products, thus stabilizing and expanding the markets for these products.
I've had it argued that maybe you're not supposed to be able to do this under NAFTA or something. Well, the Americans have been doing it for years, so I don't even want to hear that argument. It's one of those things that's just so obvious but it is not done in this country, and I do not understand why.
A similar policy in Canada would provide similar benefits without any additional cost to governments. A trial project for the school system in northern Ontario is being implemented right now, today, through the Ontario Ministry of Health promotion on a trial basis. This is a school snack program, and it's being implemented with the help of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association. All of that product is Ontario-grown. It's good for the kids, and it's good for the economy.
This is a good first step, but it needs to be expanded upon as quickly as possible. Canada produces excellent agricultural products, which would provide health and economic benefits. The government must adopt a policy of showcasing these products and extolling their benefits. We're proud of our products.
To repeat, this is a no-brainer. It can be done at minimal cost to government. It is just one of those things. Americans do it. Lots of countries do it. I have no idea why Canada doesn't do this.