Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Minister, in my discussions with the farmers in my region and those in Quebec, I have noticed that, for the industries where supply management is a factor, it is critical that it remain in place. As you know, the system provides the stability and predictability that allows producers to invest back into their farms and to stimulate innovation. Compared to other systems, supply management helps big and small producers alike.
As a consequence, Mr. Minister, in a constituency like mine, or like my neighbour's, Ruth Ellen Brosseau, supply management fosters economic prosperity and job creation. In Quebec, almost 9,000 farms, more than 62,000 jobs, and 37% of farm income as a minimum are affected by supply management. Supply management works, and it is vital to the well-being of agriculture in Quebec and in Canada. It also allows all Quebeckers and all Canadians to have high-quality products on their shelves while costing the public purse nothing.
In that context, Mr. Minister, can you reaffirm your unwavering support for supply management today and keep the promise made in the Speech from the Throne?