Good afternoon, Mrs. Chatel.
In fact, economic uncertainty has considerably slowed down business investment. In 2025 alone, investments declined by more than 16% in Quebec. However, to be able to benefit from the tax deduction, businesses still need the economic context that enables them to invest.
You know very well that for the past 18 months, economic uncertainty has caused some projects to be postponed. That's why Ms. Farrell and Ms. Cloutier were saying that it takes both grants and loans. I think that's the key message.
If the goal is for investments to start increasing again and for businesses to feel that the risk is decreasing in the economic system as a whole, then it's really important to create a climate, an ecosystem, that encourages investments. If you look at the findings of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Canada has lost its spot when it comes to productivity.
I think that's the key: It's necessary to build confidence among businesses to revitalize investment and productivity.