Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
It wanted this to be on the record because I think Mr. Steckle was right to mention this morning the government's announcement about Canadian products. We cannot criticize the announcement, since we have been working on this very issue, and I think all parties agreed that some changes were in order.
Was I surprised to see the Prime Minister take advantage of a photo opportunity, with a farm orchard serving as a bucolic backdrop? Not at all, because last week, he was photographed with members of the military. Next week, he might be photographed with police officers and the week after that, he could be standing next to a car and talking about automobile theft, or in a garage announcing a cut to the GST. There are countless photo opportunities. That is how this government operates.
When asked by a reporter whether I felt, as a member and vice-chair of the committee, that the committee's efforts had been trumped by the government's announcement, I responded that it was impossible to think otherwise. Furthermore, I believe the government's plans as far as this issue is concerned have already been made and that the government held off unveiling them on May 21. I believe that's true because of the comments the parliamentary secretary would make each time witnesses would speak to certain specific issues. Mr. Lauzon would often comment that the minister agreed with something or other the witnesses had said and that they couldn't begin to know how much he agreed with their position.
Therefore, I always had the impression that the government had already come to a decision as to the criteria for changes to the labelling of products in Canada. My impression was ultimately confirmed when the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food made this announcement. It is sad and unfortunate for the witnesses who made their views known to the committee.
Moreover, the committee will be drawing up some recommendations. I have to wonder how useful they will be since clearly, the government has already decided how the new policy on Canadian products will be drafted. Our time would have been better spent on other matters. That is unfortunate.