Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you to the witnesses for taking the time to testify on this important aspect of our study. The purpose of the study is to provide concrete solutions as part of the review of the processes of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Their experience is very useful to us, and I thank them very much. The shared sentiment around this table is clear: We fully support them in the face of this challenge. I thank them for taking the time to tell us about it.
A number of producers have told us that the time it takes to pay compensation is one of the major problems with the system. You're confirming that for us as well. They mentioned that caps are another issue, especially if you own an elite herd. It's really a significant problem when the value exceeds the cap set out in the regulations. Let's remember that compensation is governed by regulation. From what I understand, the situation is worse in the United States, where compensation is even lower, and by far.
The emotional impact as well as the feeling of being in limbo and going through this on their own is another important issue to consider. I'd like to hear your thoughts on potential solutions, because that's precisely what we're looking for. What you experienced can help improve the system.
I'm thinking of some models, such as the one in the State of Michigan, which is working with the federal government to provide compensation, or the one in the Netherlands, in Europe, where the federal agency compensates for the loss of a herd. However, as you pointed out, there is a whole related aspect to consider, which is rebuilding. When a herd is destroyed, it has to be rebuilt, which requires considerable investment.
My colleague talked about the AgriStability program. Since we will soon be reviewing these programs as part of the federal, provincial and territorial discussions, it would be important to have your recommendations.
Do you think it would be appropriate to set up a system combining federal compensation and a risk management program, such as AgriStability, to better support producers?
You can provide a written response to the committee.