Good afternoon.
Mr. Thakker, I found your presentation interesting, especially when you talked about the report that your organization has drafted on the future of farming. Since the committee is looking into that issue, it would be very helpful if you would send your report to the clerk of the committee. We should take it into consideration when drafting our own report.
Carter, your testimony really spoke to me, especially since we have one thing in common. You said that you did not agree with Mr. Blackburn. That is something that happens to me quite often as well. When I ask questions in the House, as a Bloc Québécois member of Parliament, it is always Mr. Blackburn that answers me and never Mr. Ritz. So, the actual Minister of Agriculture never responds to the concerns of Quebec farmers. The responses always come from the Minister of State, Mr. Blackburn. I sometimes get the impression that this gentleman has his own agenda. Occasionally, when I talk to Mr. Ritz, he does not seem to know just what Mr. Blackburn is doing.
Something that we know for sure is that last December, Mr. Blackburn went on a tour regarding the future of farming. As I have already mentioned, we are duplicating his efforts by also embarking on a tour. I know that he will draft a report, but some of the details have escaped me. Did you say that you met with him? I know that he came to Saskatchewan, that he visited only five Canadian cities and that he will draft a report on the future of farming. I would like to know if you met with him during his tour. Were you aware of the fact that he was on a tour regarding the future of farming?