Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate all those at home watching CPAC and also those in the galleries. Even though we have a very complex legislative schedule with a lot of debate and reports that have to be communicated in Parliament, we can take time out when there is a national issue such as this one and work on it with all parties. I think all parties are providing helpful solutions and part of my comments will show that.
The member made a very good point. She mentioned that it is very important to have a qualified minister of agriculture. It is serendipity that just before this crisis came up the Prime Minister appointed one of the most--if not the most--knowledgeable people in the House, with experience in working with other people. He was the chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. He had just finished consulting across the country on the Prime Minister's task force.
The member opposite made the point that nothing has changed nor is there success in the relationship between the President of the U.S. and the Prime Minister. However, that is not accurate. We know that when the Prime Minister took over, right away there was a change in the contracts available to Canadians in Iraq. I was surprised myself that we were that successful. I do not think I would have been bold enough to push for that. This was a great victory for Canada.
I will speak about BSE and why the present minister of agriculture--