Good morning. Thank you for your presentation.
I'm not a farmer, I'm a Member of Parliament. I've listened closely to all of the witnesses who have spoken this morning, and I've also read up on the subject. On hearing Mr. Anderson say that the majority of Western farmers favour a change and a dual marketing regime, I have to wonder if perhaps he is generalizing. Every one claims to have done surveys or studies showing that farmers want a change and a dual marketing regime, whereas board members who are also producers oppose the move. I have the feeling that each group is defending its position and its own interests, while pursuing the same goal, namely looking out for the farmers.
Mr. Heinbecker and Mr. Vandervalk, what do you think of the stand taken by the board and by a substantial number of producers, many of whom contacted me at my Ottawa office? They want producers to have an opportunity to discuss the issues and would like a referendum to be held on whether or not the board should be opened up and a dual marketing regime instituted. What is your association's position on the subject?