I will attempt to answer as well.
In Canada, we made regulatory choices to allow for open borders. We subscribed to these regulations, but always in the hope that we could achieve regulatory harmonization between the two countries.
Earlier, Mr. Shipley referred to the fact that our current positions were different than those we held a few months ago. Yet, in 2003, 2004 and 2005 we were right in the middle of the BSE crisis and the borders were closed. At the time we were totally in competition with Canadian companies within Canada. Since July 2007, the regulations which allowed for the opening of borders has have huge adverse affects on the industry. They are assessed at $31.70. If the market were closed, the entire Canadian cattle industry would lose out.
The Canadian cattle industry has made gains on some levels and continues to do so. But does that mean that we have to agree to stop the slaughter of cattle of over 30 months of age? That is the question we're asking. Until there is some harmonization of the regulations and we meet the new OIE requirements, can the government temporarily support the industry so it can survive this crisis?
I think we need to keep our markets open and not drop any further. In Quebec, we specialize in the slaughter of animals over 30 months. But in today's reality, in other words an open market and different regulations, all Canadian industries involved in the slaughter of animals over 30 months of age will not be able to implement the project you referred to earlier on if this important issue of the slaughter of cows in Canada is not addressed.