Good morning everyone. I would like to ask you two questions.
My first question is for Mr. Jarvis. Some witnesses who have appeared here have questions about products likes yogurt. How is the decision made to label yogurt a "Product of Canada", since yogurt is made using domestic milk and other products such as coffee or berries, that can be imported? What standards could be used to indicate that yogurt is a product of Canada?
My second question deals with the terminology to be used. The expressions mentioned include "Made in Canada", "Grown in Canada" and "Product of Canada". Several years ago, labelling on most products was quite vague and unclear. Now on the back of the packaging you can see how much sodium, trans fat and calories a product contains. That is very helpful for consumers who want to make healthy or informed choices. However, we know that in restaurants, that information is not put on the menu. People always say that healthy choices are more difficult to make in restaurants, because the standards are voluntary. Some foods in restaurants are identified using "healthy choice" or "no GMOs". That indicates that the product does not contain any, clearly, but does that mean that if nothing is indicated, the food in question contains GMOs?
Are you not afraid that voluntary standards will lead to this kind of confusion? If it says "Product of Canada", it is a product of Canada, but if it does not say anything, does that necessarily mean that it is not from here? It could even be a disadvantage for a product made here not to be identified as a product of Canada, because the standards are voluntary. I wonder if it wouldn't be fairer to indicate, for example, "Imported from Italy and packed in Canada". That may better reflect reality and enlighten consumers as to the choices and purchases they make.