So then what concerns me on the supply management side...and you know, it's interesting; I tabled some information the other day from Peter Clark relative to the U.S. subsidies. They are massively supporting their industry, while we continue to play the boy scout. In fact, on the supply management side, his figures would lead us to believe that in the United States, they are actually subsidized to the tune of 32¢ per litre in Canadian dollars.
Yet we have to compete against that. We're under pressure from processors in Canada that claim they can bring in, cheaper, cheese products, etc., for their pizzas. But they are being subsidized at 32¢ a litre in the United States when you take all into consideration.
I make that point because we have a free trade agreement with the United States, and we find our supply management industry under attack by them, but yet they are highly subsidized.
So in terms of going forward, what concerns me about the current government is that they did make this statement in 2004 in their policy position, and I wonder if you could outline to me if this is where we're going or not.
It stated as follows:
A Conservative government will ensure that any agreement which impacts supply management gives our producers guaranteed access to foreign markets, and that there will be a significant transition period in any move towards a market-driven environment.
My question to you is this: in terms of the negotiations, are we looking at keeping the current supply management system, or are we to negotiate a transition period that would eventually move us toward a market-driven environment?