Just to explain, Mr. Chair, the fact of the matter is that there is a serious problem with the estimates in that in the estimates we're voting on there's a note at the bottom that says the main estimates of 2007-08 are $2,434.3 million; compared to the previous millions of the year before, it's an increase of $242.6 million.
The increase is mainly attributable to funding for the Canadian farm family options program. To the great part now, the minister has completely changed that program after the fact. We want to know the impact of that decision on the estimates, and we're wondering, the parliamentary secretary retired but maybe Mr. Anderson could come before the committee and explain that to us. What's the implication for the estimates of the minister's decision on April 20, after the estimates were written?
The other area, Mr. Chair, that we'd like an answer on is this. It's a well-known fact that now there are likely extraordinary costs for the Canadian Wheat Board as a result of cancelled contracts based on the government's decision about barley marketing. We will want to have an answer on whether or not the government is going to provide money to cover those additional costs that the Canadian Wheat Board may face.
We do have until May 31 to deal with these estimates, and we'd like those answers first before we vote on the estimates. So we'd appreciate the information.
