Mr. Meredith, I would like to come back to the question of production costs. Earlier, you alluded to the possibility of WTO challenges. It called to mind the time when people were invoking Article XXVIII to challenge milk protein imports. The department and the minister had alluded to the possibility of the same threat hanging over us. Yet, after pressure was exerted, Article XXVIII was ultimately adopted.
The disaster people feared never transpired. If the provinces are responsible for the programs, we can be virtually guaranteed that there will be no WTO challenges. I'm not sure what you are afraid of, particularly since the European Union and the United States provide billions in direct subsidies to their producers whereas in this country, producers must often pay out of their own pockets to participate in the Farm Income Stabilization Insurance Program. I just wanted to point that out quickly.
I would also like to touch on the Agri-Flex program that was briefly mentioned. Earlier, I said that we are holding consultations and that you are engaged in them as well. No doubt you heard people talk about the importance of having a truly flexible program that includes income support. This is not the case right now.
Has the department asked you to look into this matter to ensure that at some point in the future, the Agri-Flex program will fund income security programs, something that in its current form it clearly does not provide for?