Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Minister, for being here today.
Probably many of my colleagues aren't aware that the riding I represent of Kitchener--Conestoga, while it is a large urban riding, also has a very large rural area with three large townships: Wilmot, Wellesley, and Woolwich. Hundreds of farmers are there in beef, hogs, sheep, dairy, and poultry. I have the opportunity to visit these farms on a regular basis. Just recently I met with a large group of dairy farmers. They were very appreciative of the support that our government has given to the supply-managed sector.
You mentioned in your opening remarks, Minister, about the action that our government took on section 28 under GATT to restrict the import of milk protein concentrates and also the change in the cheese compositional standards. These have made huge differences for the farmers in my area.
Could you comment on where you see the government going in terms of its ongoing support for supply management? What impact will that have for those who want to maintain a viable family farm?