Thank you, Mr. Chair.
We keep hearing two streams in this conversation, most of it dealing with the auto sector and what is needed. We've heard this for the last few sessions. Mr. DesRosiers has been talking about the ultimate health of the auto sector with a very positive long-term outlook. But what seems to be missing to a great extent, and one of the main reasons we're here, is this: is it right for the government to be helping two specific companies?
If we accept that Canadians and Americans will continue to buy cars, which sounds right but perhaps in reduced quantities, if we keep hearing about the need for competitiveness and productivity.... I will note the interesting challenge when you talk about whether we want U.S.-owned companies. Mr. Frise asked if we wanted North American or foreign. We're in Canada, and I will note that the companies are foreign-owned because they are American-owned. The global auto sector has been evolving, and from a Canadian perspective we understand the need and opportunities to help the auto sector, but the fundamental question is--and I would really like to ask Mr. Ostroff for some commentary on this too--is it appropriate? Should the government at this point be providing a significant amount of money to two companies as opposed to looking at the auto sector as a whole?
Mr. DesRosiers, perhaps you could comment on that please.