Thank you, Chair.
I would just like to thank my colleague, Randy Hoback, and the Conservatives for coming forward with this study. I think we all know how important it is and I appreciate the fact that it didn't take us long to agree to go forward with this study.
I don't think diafiltered milk has ever been as hot a topic as during this last session of Parliament. Everyone is aware of this unfortunate problem, which has been going on for years. The spent fowl issue has also been going on for quite a while now, inflicting significant economic losses on producers.
I am honoured to represent a vibrant rural riding that is home to many supply-managed producers. Many of them have come to me about the challenges they face because of the diafiltered milk and spent fowl issues, saying they are at the end of their rope. Every week, we see farmers who are getting ready to shut down their operations out of desperation.
This week, La Terre de chez nous published an article on a 47-year-old dairy farmer in Saint-Augustin who was closing his farm and selling off his cows because of the problems stemming from diafiltered milk, among other things. He may have also had concerns about other trade agreements. What a sad situation.
I think every party has raised the issue. We've debated it in the House. The government promised to look into the issue and take swift action. Protests in support of those producers have been held here, on the Hill. Several thousand people even showed up on the Hill with their cows in tow to demand help from the government.
My question is for the finance department official.
Are you able to put a number on the economic losses the dairy and poultry industries are experiencing? Could you also tell me whether the situation is having an economic impact on Canadian consumers?