Mr. Speaker, I listened to the hon. member's presentation with great interest and was very much in accord with some of the things he said.
I am very much aware as we are on this side of the House, particularly my friend who is the member for Broadview-Greenwood, of the difficulties that small businesses have en-
countered in the past few years. I will not put a political perimeter on it because I would be accused of being partisan, which of course is not in these days.
If we cannot take credit here, it is safe to point out that we are focusing on the difficulties that small businesses have encountered in all seriousness and with great enthusiasm and a certain amount of hope.
While indeed small businesses are very concerned about the deficit, a major difficulty they have, they are primarily concerned about moving ahead in what we hope will be a growing economy.
Just this weekend I participated in an economic conference in my riding. I pointed out that people should not be waiting for big buildings and large industries to be brought in because 55 per cent of our gross national product in the last two years was related to businesses of five or less.
We on this side of the House are convinced that small business is important. However, I would ask the hon. member if he could give me some indication in outline form, as time does not permit him to reveal perhaps all the ideas he may have, what he might consider a good initiative or measure to take for small businesses to give them the kinds of breaks and the hope that I believe he is looking for.