Public Safety committee  It represents between $500,000 and $700,000 a month.

Public Safety committee  Yes, between $500,000 and $700,000 a month.

Public Safety committee  Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished Committee members, good afternoon. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Martin Dupont, and I am Executive Director and Industrial Commissioner with the Drummondville Economic Development Authority. The Canada Border Service Agency's announcement that a number of regional offices, including one in Drummondville, would shut down starting on April 1, 2011 has met with strong opposition in our community.

Agriculture committee  Yes, the members of the Federation.

Agriculture committee  I have been visiting plants for 22 years now, and every time I go to the Levinoff-Colbex facility, I am always amazed to see just how complex the industry has become. I made that point using some statistics. There were 500 slaughterhouses in 1980, and now, there are only five. When you actually visit these facilities, you realize that the technologies that are used and the know-how of the employees are of critical importance.

Agriculture committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ladies and gentlemen, members of the committee, good morning. My name is Martin Dupont. I have been the Executive Director and Industrial Commissioner for the Drummondville Economic Development Corporation for the last 21 years. The reason I am here is quite simple.