Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would like to thank each of the experts here today.
Our role as a committee is first to see if there is a problem and then to help find solutions as a government. This is our second major meeting with experts. Clearly, there are problems with bee mortality. We know in particular that there are a lot of wintering losses.
First, I would like to understand a few problematic aspects. The Canadian Horticultural Council provided certain data from Statistics Canada. These data show that, from 2009 to 2013, the number of bee colonies in Canada grew by 14%. According to the figures provided by Anne Fowlie of the Canadian Horticultural Council, the number of bee colonies increased by 24% from 2000 to now.
I am simply trying to understand. I do not deny that there have bee colony losses owing to certain factors. Based on the information I have, though, there is an increase in bee colonies in Canada overall.
I would ask each one of you to give me your opinion on this quickly.