I would like to add that a traceability system does not make it possible to determine whether the given product is of high quality. We know we have quality products. Inspections are carried out and, on-farm food safety programs are in place. What a traceability system makes it possible to do is to affirm that we are in control, and that we know exactly where the source of a given problem is. It also makes it possible to eliminate the problem so that international standards can be complied with. We are very proud of our traceability system in Quebec. At present, it is one of the most advanced of its kind in the world. Australia is very close behind us, but the United States are lagging tremendously because they have not implemented very much on the ground.
As I said earlier, Mr. Julian, in Quebec we have a commercial advantage. However, when there is a crisis in Canada, the whole country is shut out, and Quebec has to do a great deal of work to position itself in export markets.
Two and a half years after the crisis with Japan, that is what we did. Recently, we also received visitors from Korea, along with the people from Colbex. We are extremely proud of our system. We work very hard on it, but it would need to be instituted across the country in order to position Canada. Last year, we received European Union representatives who came here for audit purposes. At present, in Quebec we have an advantage. We are probably in a position to open markets in Europe and many other parts of the world.
A month ago, I attended the first international OIE Conference, which was held in Buenos Aires. Quebec was invited to present its system, which is considered one of the most advanced in the world. We left quite satisfied, after having listened to lectures and presenters for three days. Its appears that Quebec is truly compliant with international standards.