Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to thank the minister for being here with his department and for appearing before the committee.
Maybe for informational purposes Mr. McCauley would like to know that Canada Foodgrains Bank is a great organization that the government plays a role in as well. All he has to do is drive a little bit outside of Edmonton and he'll see that his farmers are very supportive of that organization, which does great work in Nicaragua and in Ethiopia. I'm hoping he's not suggesting that these governments fund the Government of Canada. I'm hoping that's not the suggestion he is making.
Minister, in your opening remarks you made some statements with regard to the dairy program. I have the opportunity and the privilege to represent many dairy farmers. I know that a few months ago you announced that there would be $250 million to help dairy farmers transition and another $100 million to help cheese makers transition and upgrade their facilities. I was hoping you could provide this committee with an update on where we're at with that particular dairy program.