Last Wednesday, the minister explained to us that the sum of $25 million would be used for stimulating innovation. As an example of innovation, he talked about thermal hydrolysis, a process which would apparently make it possible to break down SRM in order to turn it into fertilizer. This is why I asked if you have been assured that the $25 million will be used to offset the $31.70 per head you are losing owing to U.S. competition.
When the minister talked about stimulating innovation, I thought that would be covered by the $40 million and not by the $25 million. Now I have some concerns.
So I repeat my question: has either the minister or any member of his staff assured you that the budgeted $25 million or any of the money included in the $75 million will really be used to offset the impact of the gap between Canadian and U.S. standards?