It's important not to lose sight of the fact that Canada is a northern climate, and for us to supply fresh fruits and vegetables 12 months of the year, there has to be a trading relationship, particularly with the U.S., as well as with Mexico. The ability of Canadian producers to export products that we can grow competitively needs to be there in order for us to have the monetary capability to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables in the winter from warmer-climate jurisdictions.
It is exceedingly difficult for Canadian producers to supply a reasonably broad spectrum of fruit and vegetables year-round. There are some exceptions. Take cucumbers. The technology is there to grow them under lights now, so Canada can produce cucumbers for 12 months of the year, but that product is the exception, not the rule.
