That's a good question, Mr. Lehoux. The $77 million that is allocated to the entire agri-food industry is clearly not enough, given the $87 million that we mentioned for the poultry sector alone.
I heard this week about some parameters that will guide the allocation of the $77 million. Large companies would only be entitled to 25% of their expenses, and in those expenses, the costs paid to buy disposable masks, for example, would not be allowed. For a company with 3,500 employees like ours, buying washable masks to qualify for the expense makes no sense. If I have my mask washed, I will never get my own mask back. Would anyone want to wear a mask that has been washed and worn by someone else?
If what we have heard this week from some of the agencies consulted on these parameters turns out to be true, the 25% percentage granted to large companies is not enough. We are aiming for an assistance program that would reimburse 50% of our expenses. The protective measures used, such as disposable masks, for example, must be made eligible. In the agri-food processing industry, washable masks are not a feasible solution.