Thank you very much for your testimony.
Mr. Godin, I have met you before because you are in my constituency. I am honoured that you are here with us today. Your testimony reflects the discussions that you and I have had together.
Mr. Valeriote has asked the minister why your industry was excluded. I can tell him that I have written to the minister to ask for the precise reason for the exclusion, but I have not had an answer yet. As soon as I receive it, I will share it with committee members.
Since we have been discussing this situation, it seems to me that you have been in administrative limbo, in a sense.
Before CAIS became AgriInvest, and such, some people in your industry already received benefits under the program. Some had to repay money that they had received, others did not. It was not very clear. Then changes were made to the guidelines that meant that you could all be stacked into one corner.
For the benefit of the committee, and for those who read our transcripts—I am sure that they do at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada—can you tell me if someone who grows Christmas trees, for example, and sells them during the holidays, is an agricultural producer who is eligible for CAIS?