Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from the Reform Party for his question which seems quite relevant. I will answer his question as clearly as possible. In fact, he is asking me how farmers can adjust to the new international trade context, that is, the reduction in tariffs now set under GATT?
Of course, this is a major concern of farmers in my riding and throughout Quebec and of all dairy and other producers affected by international trade and tariffs.
Allow me to share with him some farmers' reaction with respect to dairy production in particular. Many farmers in my riding said in response to my questions that they would be willing to compete with U.S. farmers-since they are our main competition in the area of dairy production-provided they played by the same rules. In other words, they would if they were in the position to offer products as good as those on the American market.
It must be pointed out that in both Quebec and Canada-since the milk marketing system is the same across the country-not only production but also quality is subject to regulations. This is something we can be proud of. If we want to preserve this quality, we must pay the costs involved. The whole matter must be considered. I will surely have the opportunity to get back to this later.