Thank you.
I'm going to jump down to the summary. One of the things that Bob really wanted to express was a concern over some of the misinformation that's out there about the beef industry.
With regard to the beef industry globally, people have tried to project a certain image that is largely false, or at best not representative of the beef sector in Canada, so it's imperative that we have comprehensive research and data. Anytime policy decisions are made, we want to make sure that sound decisions made at all levels so that we can support the continued advancement of innovation and education.
In summary, the ability of the Canadian cattle industry to positively drive the economy and conservation targets on private and public lands should not be underestimated. The Canadian beef industry is a meaningful contributor to the Canadian economy, contributing $13.6 billion to our annual GDP. At the same time, we are also a cornerstone of environmentally sound agriculture practices that can assist you in the committee's and the government's mandate to achieve Canada's environmental goals. Indeed, we believe Canada can be a world role model as a solutions-oriented beef producer, committed to sustainable environmental, social, and economic outcomes, now and for future generations.