With reference to the first question, Mr. Chair, when I bring information and I deal with the international community, I speak with one voice for Canada. There are no two voices I speak with; Canada has to speak with one voice.
I would bring to that an emphasis that we have to be on the one page. In my past, referencing your preamble, any task I have taken on before—I have worked in probably three different careers. I spent 20 years in a classroom as a science teacher. I spent 20 years in the fishing industry and 15 in politics. I think I'd be safe in saying that I brought a commitment to those positions, and no one has ever doubted my commitment to doing the job ever before. I hope at the end of the day you could say the same about this position, and there will be only one voice in it.
I have not had an opportunity yet to meet with Quebec. I met, at their request, in Boston with the British Columbia government and their officials. I had a request from Nova Scotia to meet with them and I met with them at their request. I've met with both these provinces to date. They are the two requests I had, and I am open and prepared to meet with any and all provinces.
I think I'm here to represent the entire country in this job. I'm accessible and I am prepared to meet with anybody who wants to put forward a view to give me an understanding of the issues with their province and particularly how it impacts on international issues.
In particular in your province I know the sealing issue is one specific one. I know the value of Quebec in the export of seafood products there. It is significant. I think it is within the $400 million range, and that is very significant.