Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I very willingly support the proposed amendment, that is, that we write a letter. To add to what my colleague Mr. Drouin said just now, we did in fact already do a study on this subject in the past. I think the situation has changed quite rapidly, though. As well, markets have been closed at the international level. Ultimately, as my colleague Mr. Barlow said, that means a reduction in the number of animals slaughtered, by one million in Quebec and 700,000 to 800,000 a year in Ontario. These are fairly substantial numbers, and it is important that we be able to bring it up again if there are new developments.
I think the witnesses we have identified will be able to provide us with the necessary information before we write our letter to the minister. I am only suggesting it, because I forgot to mention it the other day. Ultimately, the question of animal health is important in all this. As you said, Mr. Drouin, the closing is scheduled for December. People are already starting to panic. The plant employs 1,000 people divided over two shifts. Some of them may decide to leave before the closing, and that would also certainly significantly affect the slaughter capacity, within a relatively short time. It is therefore essential that we be able to look into this. The witnesses named in the motion could help us find solutions. They could at least make suggestions for us.
If the motion is adopted, I will certainly place my trust in you to write the letter and deliver it to the minister by hand, Mr. Chair. I am pleased that I will be contributing to the efforts to enable us to reach a conclusion. I am very open to the idea of collaborating with you, Mr. Chair.