You referred back to some money that was somehow planned for 2005.
When I look at the program activities in terms of the source being the Agriculture and Agri-Food report on plans and priorities, it seems that about $1 billion less is planned for 2008-2009 as opposed to 2007-2008. The figure then gets even smaller for 2009-2010.
Mr. Chair, could we have someone give an answer to this committee on how much money the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food actually paid out over the last 10-year period, since 1996 or 1997 until the present?
As I said, every minister says there's a lot of money going out. The farm community certainly appreciates it. But when we travel across the country, there's always the question about where the money is.
In effect, you're saying some of the money that was planned back in 2005 is only getting out now. Is that what I heard? You referred to one program where they had apparently set aside money in 2005 and it's just been paid out now. Is that correct?