Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Minister, I would like to thank you and your officials for appearing before the committee here.
As you know, the agricultural food industry is a strong economic driver in my riding of Steveston—Richmond East and all across B.C., whether it be potatoes, dairy, or chickens. I like to say that in East Richmond we have the best blueberries and cranberries in the world.
I know you may disagree with that, Minister, but that is my position and I'm sticking to it.
I'd like to hear from you and perhaps from your officials what the ministry is looking at to make sure that our industry remains on the cutting edge internationally, because we're competing against the Americans, the Europeans, and other folks around the world.