Thank you, Madam Chair, for the question and the opportunity to respond.
We are very cognizant of this issue and the presentations that were made previously by different organizations to the committee. Upon further consideration, the department's position remains as it was when we were before you the last time. Any move we make to change the way it is written will create a loophole that will continue to allow small cigars and cigarillos into the marketplace in the flavours associated with them. In essence, this amendment would create a problematic loophole, in the view of the department.