Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to pick up on the question that I tried to ask Minister Ambrose earlier.
The animal health and zoonotics program underwent drastic cuts. In 2012-13, it's budget stood at $175 million but is down to $90 million this year. HR-wise, that represents an annual loss of 400 full-time positions, with the number of positions dropping from 1,199 in 2011-12 to 800 this year.
I'd like to know why the program's budget was cut so significantly. Isn't it an essential program?