Thank you very much, Minister, Mr. Da Pont, and Mr. Knubley, for being here.
I'll fire my questions at you, Mr. Minister. I don't have a chance to do this very often.
Following up on some questions on CFIA, there is some concern that, for example, 79% of the food we import comes from ten countries. Have we done any periodic equivalency audits lately? Since 2010 we know that only 2% of the produce and products coming in are inspected, and not for food safety. The concern is with equivalency.
I have a specific question in regard to Les Viandes de la Petite Nation. Have any specific changes been instituted at this slaughterhouse since CFIA became aware of investigation evidence showing issues within the plant?
My third question has to do with low-level presence with regard to GE alfalfa. As you are opening up new markets, Minister, has the department given any thought to looking at the impact of GE alfalfa, if introduced on the market, for farmers currently exporting alfalfa? In other words, are we holding off the registration until we can be sure?
My next question has to do with the Canadian Grain Commission. There is some concern that the elimination of mandatory requirements for inward inspection and weighing at licensed terminals and transfer elevators could hurt farmers. Is our government prepared to ensure protection for small and mid-sized producers against biased private companies that will issue grain quality...? Will user fees be doubled? Will the Canadian Grain Commission be modernized through changes to the Canada Grain Act prior to any increase in user fees?
Lastly—