Thank you again for coming.
Let me first reiterate what my colleague Mr. Byrne said earlier. In times of economic uncertainty, innovation's going to be the key that allows us Canadians to compete in every sector--fisheries and otherwise--and I think everyone in the room agrees with that.
I have three parts leading to a question. The first thing, Mr. Comerford, is that it has been said widely in the discussion that the notice was at least ambiguous, that it was left open to interpretation whether funding was going to be cut off and whether there was ever an opportunity to continue. If the institute came up with some alternative funding, perhaps there was at least a door open. That's the impression that was certainly left with CCFI's chairman, according to his testimony.
The second part of this question I'm leading to is, what flexibility is there in ACOA's programs to change somewhat the terms that might allow the door to be open?
The third part of the question is this. Is there a possibility of a new deadline with new terms that would say to CCFI, if you can come to us within a certain period presenting conditions that would be acceptable to ACOA, that would promote innovation, and that would help us compete better internationally, then here's your last chance? Is that even a possibility?