Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Regarding the World Trade Organization, or WTO, challenge, I would note that the dispute between Australia and Canada over wine actually pertained to wine made from grapes. In fact, the Quebec government pointed out to the Australian government the distinction between wine made from grapes and cider or mead. An agreement with Quebec was reached, and the legislation reflects that distinction. We are calling on Ottawa to do the same thing Quebec did, in other words, not to lump cider and mead in the same category as wine, which is made from grapes.
There was no dispute between Australia and Canada over cider or mead. What we are asking the government to do is, number one, draw the distinction between cider or mead and wine, which is made from grapes and which was the focus of a dispute, and number two, support two very important industries, as Mr. Albas highlighted.
Supporting this amendment, and by extension cider and mead producers, does not give rise to any issues whatsoever. It would not go against the WTO decision because Australia already came to an agreement with Quebec on the very same thing.
If the committee votes against this amendment, it will be forcing cider and mead producers to pay a tax because we are cutting corners and not doing our duty. We must support them; that is our job.