Thanks, Mr. Chairman, and thanks to each of you for appearing today.
I want to focus on the country-of-origin labelling issue. I recognize that it has already taken effect, but I would appreciate your insight on what would be the best approach for Canada in making representations to U.S. legislators and the administration. I'd like to have a better understanding of the thinking behind it on the part of U.S. legislators and the administration.
A few weeks ago, before it had taken effect, I had a meeting with Collin Peterson, and he said something that I think might be instructive. He said if this causes a real problem between Canada and the U.S. with regard to our integrated beef industry, then it would be re-evaluated. That's easy for him to say. It's really tough to reverse something like this once it's in place. It's clear to me that it's not really aimed at Canada; it's more aimed at Mexico. But we're getting caught in the crossfire. It could really hurt the U.S. beef industry as well.
Could you summarize a few points that we ought to make to the Americans that might demonstrate to them how the country-of-origin labelling doesn't help them and may actually hurt the American beef and food industry?