Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I am very pleased that you are all able to testify before the committee. I am also very pleased to be here with you this morning.
Everyone agrees that the federal government has a huge budget surplus. Paradoxically, everyone knows that some sectors in certain areas are in a crisis, including the manufacturing, forestry and agriculture sectors. Corporate tax credits may be a good thing, but they only benefit companies which make huge profits. However, many companies will not be able to take advantage of these tax credits.
So rather than making tax cuts a priority, as they will only benefit wealthy companies, and reducing the GST, the government should have invested its huge surplus in infrastructure, education and health.
I know that the high Canadian dollar has greatly affected the competitiveness of Canadian companies, especially in the manufacturing sector. I would like to hear what you think about that situation.