Thank you, sir.
Considering the timing of your appearance, I have to congratulate Mr. Barr on the work I know his organization, the CCIC, did on the vote yesterday,
As well, I commend the leadership of our colleague John McKay. I think that's very important.
I don't have a question for you. I support the 0.7%. I did when I was in government. I advocated for it when I had an opportunity and will continue to do so. I know it's a challenging goal. I know it's not easy; I think it is important.
I had that discussion with Mr. Martin when he was the Prime Minister, as you know, and I think for very genuine reasons, he felt that we couldn't commit to it. I think we should. I notice he's now spending a lot of his time in Africa doing some significant development work, and I commend him for that.
I have two questions. First of all, Mr. Sinervo, we've met before and talked about issues to do with research. I wonder if you could comment in both of your capacities at the University of Toronto, and also regarding who you're representing here today. Canada has invested a lot in research in the last five years and has gone a long way in publicly funded research to the top of the G-7 and G-8, but it leaves some holes. I know that you and your coalition have campaigned hard and made a good case for more funding.
One area I would like to you ask you about is the indirect cost of research. As you know, in the economic update last year, the government committed to fund up to 40% of indirect costs, seen as sort of the full indirect cost package. But that didn't pass, and it wasn't brought in on the 2006 budget. Can you comment on the importance of getting to the 40% mark on indirect costs?