International Trade committee  I do not really have experience as such with any particular company. However, I would think that finances are probably a barrier, not to mention the time that has to be spent. I do not know the specific export-assistance programs, of course, but, in terms of exports, I think that time, money and support are the factors that play a role for our businesses here.

International Trade committee  Not aware enough, I would say. The role of the chamber of commerce is to be a conveyor belt. I also think that it is our duty to provide our members with tools that they may be able to use, to establish contacts among organizations that already exist, and to hold activities that enable them to take advantage of the services your government offers, in various forms, through various departments.

International Trade committee  As I was saying earlier, we do very little in the way of imports and exports. Ours is a community of small businesses. Here, our realities are local, regional and provincial. Some of those small businesses have tried to break into European markets. However, the current labour shortage in our area means that our businesses have difficulty finding the time to develop other markets because they have to concentrate on dealing with the labour shortage.

International Trade committee  I represent the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Dolbeau-Mistassini. Our city has about 15,000 residents and is situated in an RCM with a population of 25,000. We have more small businesses than medium and large ones. Very few of those small businesses export abroad and they have few, if any, levers with which to develop international markets.

International Trade committee  No one has told me exactly how the meeting is supposed to proceed.

International Trade committee  Good afternoon. Is there a specific question I have to answer?

International Trade committee  Do I have to talk about any subject in particular?