Yes, that is a good answer.
But just to start off, you're right, the reason we approached the federal government—because it is a national problem—is the national situation with the sale of tobacco across the country. And rightfully so, it is the federal government that is the top echelon of government, so you would go to them first. And I would personally feel, and I think the board does, that the federal government is responsible for bringing all of us together. And they are doing that; I won't deny that. I've had conversations with Minister Ritz, and we are continuing those conversations with his department. We're doing well, trying to get things together. But it's the urgency of the situation—we have to move more quickly.
As far as trying to solve the contraband situation is concerned, there is contraband in all manufactured products. You haven't solved those, and you're not going to solve tobacco's problems overnight either. But given the desperation of farmers today, we need to come up with a solution today, to have input into a program that delivers some dollars to these farmers—to all of us who are suffering—because not only will it assist us, but it will also assist the manufacturers and storekeepers.
And we will pay our taxes. I sat on municipal government for a long time. I know very well that when a farmer is broke, the number one thing he does do is pay his taxes, because we have pride and respect in that. But at the end of the day, it's pretty tough to say to your kids, you can't go to university this year because we don't have the dollars.
This program needs to come, and it needs to come now, and we need the assistance of all parties to put something together. I'm begging. I am begging that you will see fit to come forth and help us. But I do acknowledge that Minister Ritz's department is helping us, and we are in discussions with them and hope that those will continue until a resolution.