International Trade committee  I spoke about a similar program. Over the next few years, we are going to focus our international development through these technological transfers. If the Industrial Cooperation Program could be renewed or if another similar program could be set up, that would be ideal for us.

International Trade committee  It would at least be a step in the right direction.

International Trade committee  Regarding the initial phase and the first exports, a subsidy would encourage exports. You referred to marketing, and that is what costs us the most. It could allow us perhaps to penetrate markets that are not yet accessible. Selling a container is very difficult, but selling a pallet is easier.

International Trade committee  From what I understand, this is a program that will help countries to export, but what are the conditions to have access to it?

International Trade committee  Excuse me, I have problem with my audio.

International Trade committee  Yes.

International Trade committee  Yes, Norwegian and Chilean.

International Trade committee  No, there is no patent as such involved in our technology transfer process. We enter into a contract, through a lawyer who specializes in franchises. There is no patent involved. We transfer a series of recipes. Some equipment is made here. These are prototypes that are not necessarily patented.

International Trade committee  The complexity of the technological transfer arises after the transfer as such. At this time, we have set up the plant and everything is going well. The management of a food processing enterprise is complex. There is support for the implementation of the HACCP plans. In fact, the whole thing evolves constantly.

International Trade committee  No. My salmon comes from Chile.

International Trade committee  That's because our industry uses only frozen salmon. I am going to continue in French, because my English is not good enough. Processing requires purchasing frozen raw materials for reasons involving bacteria and quality control. Canada produces mostly fresh salmon that is sold in restaurants and groceries.

International Trade committee  For a company like mine, a small business from Quebec, the free trade market is more dangerous than enriching. The main reason is that, in my field, free trade will bring to the Quebec market some very large companies, specifically European ones—and that is already happening—that will replace small local businesses.

International Trade committee  I will also talk about the tax credit. Exporting is extremely expensive. So we do need the support. It would be preferable to a tax break.

International Trade committee  It would be unfortunate. I think it's important for us to be involved.

International Trade committee  Yes, but as I explained earlier, transportation costs are still an issue. Having some transportation support may help open up the market to us. The other option is technology transfers. That's the only method I've been able to find so far. It's definitely a step in the right direction, as far as opening up the Asian market and promoting our products are concerned.