The social economy initiative, basically, was to provide infrastructure funding for infrastructure and for seeding for a number of programs at the local community level, particularly focused on assisting people who are currently somewhat disadvantaged in the marketplace. It was for investments in small business and a variety of other things that people wish to do.
In my own province, for example, in my own riding, in my own area, we had joined with a local community futures organization and were ready to announce a micro-lending program that was aimed specifically at beginning entrepreneurs. At the last minute, of course, with the funding cuts, our partner was not able to contribute and we're now having to go back and rethink and remobilize. I think the initiative cuts have really caught a large number of people unaware. They were something of a surprise, and as a result there is some disorder right now in the whole social economy area.
My view, personally, is that moneys that were earmarked for things that actually had a practical application in terms of allowing people to become more independent financially was a good news story, not just for those people, but for the communities and for both levels, the provincial and federal governments. So we're hopeful, at this point, that after some review these funds will be brought back.