In Manitoba, as I mentioned, we are used to trading agricultural commodities into the U.S. Pigs are being slaughtered in the U.S.; cattle are being slaughtered in the U.S. At the times when the advantage shifts to the Manitoba producers, it's usually because of currency issues or cheaper feed grain, if our barley is cheaper than their corn. Then a significant amount of exports takes place.
This usually rattles protectionist sentiments in the northern states, typically among Democratic senators, like Mr. Conrad and others, who are fighting to get re-elected and are playing to their constituency who don't like the Canadian trucks driving by every day. They were limited in their scope by other forces in the U.S. political system, by a Republican majority in one of the houses or a president who tamped down their proposals.
What worries us now is that we have a situation where they have a lot more influence. Now that Mr. Vilsack is agriculture secretary, the Democratic senators find a far-more lending ear to their concerns, and they are not being opposed by a majority in the houses or a presidency that will temper their intentions. So I continue to think it should be the number one priority of our government to monitor this, to be very actively involved, and to make it a top priority.
I'm not a trade expert, so I'm not the one to ask. I did agree when the challenge under the WTO was dropped and the regulation was changed. As for what to do now, I don't know. I do know that Mr. Vilsack has sent a clarification letter in his approval dated February 20.
Mr. Bezan and others may have a far more educated opinion than I have.