Mr. Chair, I commend the member for Palliser on his first intervention in the House. I would like to review for his benefit and the benefit of his constituents what the minister announced on September 10. Keep in mind that the federal government works in cooperation with the provinces on agricultural matters. It is difficult, if not impossible, to move unilaterally. That announcement was made less than a month ago.
The member can sincerely believe that the government and the minister are working hard to make sure that all measures are put in place quickly to get dollars into the hands of the producers and the industry as soon as possible.
Let me review the highlights of that September 10 announcement. There was the creation of a loan loss reserve to facilitate the increase in domestic slaughter capacity for ruminants. This is to deal with the uncertainty about when the border will be opened and if the border will be opened.
The announcement also included measures to provide cash advances on the Canadian agricultural income stabilization program, CAIS, for certain breeding animals and other ruminants until domestic capacity targets are reached and very importantly, by introducing set aside programs for fed and feeder animals to manage Canada's current oversupply of cattle. We will contribute as a government to Canada's surveillance program and further our efforts to gain access to foreign markets.
Finally, among the highlights was establishing additional technical experts to focus on strengthening relationships with regulatory agencies in export markets. We have to diversify our markets. We have to deal with the reality as it faces us, but I can only underline the government's very good intentions and efforts to put in place the measures that have been announced. These reflect what the industry has been calling for.
That said, I appreciate the member's efforts on behalf of his constituents. While I may not have as many beef producers in my northern Ontario riding, I do have a lot. They too would entirely commiserate with the member's constituents. In the spirit of non-partisanship, I believe every member of the House wants to see this issue resolved. I can only say that everyone is trying their best.