There is another issue I would like to discuss with you, Minister. If you were here every week, we would be able to talk about issues that we do not want to see disappear but nothing prevents you from talking about them in the House.
I would like to know if you have had a serious look at the program suggested by the Quebec and Ontario grain producers who have set up a coalition. That program, AgriFlex, follows from programs announced by the Department in the new agricultural policy framework. I have referred to Quebec and Ontario producers but that program would also be accessible to the producers of other provinces who would want to apply. They have been waiting for a long time for an income support program with visibility and regional flexibility. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture has said that this could be an excellent program to fill the present gaps of CAIS and of its successor.
Each year, we invest about 1 billion dollars in ad hoc programs. We keep reacting to emergencies. Indeed, talking about compensation, you have stated that you just reacted to what had happened in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. That may be part of the problem. We are dealing with issues on a case-by-case basis whereas, if we had a well-established program with the cooperation of the provinces, we might be able to avoid this type of problems and it might cost less to the government.
You are probably aware of that program. What do you think of it? Would it be possible for such a program to be set up, which would fill the gaps of the present business risk programs?