Thank you. Yes, it is possible. Because of the weather conditions, my colleagues are still in Alberta and they were unable to be here today.
My apologies for being late. The leader of my party was making a statement in the House about the tragedy of the hockey players in Humboldt, and I really wanted to be there to show my support for the community.
My questions may be the same as my colleague's. Unfortunately, I missed your presentation, but I beg your indulgence for that today.
Thank you very much for being here.
Here is one of the reasons why I proposed that the committee study the agency's role in free trade agreements. In my dealings with producers everywhere, both small and large, I have heard all sorts of things. I said to myself that the best way to get answers was to invite stakeholders to the committee.
Among other things, I was told that it is more difficult for Canadians than for others to engage in international trade. Mr. Gorrell, I'm sure you've heard that before. Small producers say that they must follow certain standards to have CFIA's authorization to export their products. Unfortunately, we don't feel that Canada's competitors, when they export to our country, have to undergo the same inspections and constraints. It may just be an impression, but it's the first comment I heard when I became the agriculture critic. That's what I hear most often when I talk about the agency. I hear other things as well, but that's the first comment I get when it comes to international trade.
Could you tell me what you think?