In other words, if we can get the federal government back into the research game, with more public ownership of this research.... I agree with that. I think there certainly is room for the private sector, but we have seen the pendulum swing quite far towards reliance on the private sector, and if this research is going to benefit all Canadians, I certainly would like to see a lot more public engagement, involvement and ownership of this.
Let me turn to the mink breeders. I have a small farming property myself; I raise sheep, I raise chickens. We use animal products every single day. It's funny that when you look at most people's shoes, they're wearing leather shoes, and they have leather belts and leather watch straps, and not many people make the connection that the leather came from a once-live animal.
I know that your industry has gone through many trials and tribulations. I just want to know why furs are singled out and other animal sectors ignored.
Also, could you elaborate on the kinds of changes the industry has gone through in response to consumer pressure over the years to alleviate some of those concerns and how you've responded to public pressure over the years?