Thank you, Mr. Chair. Because of our shortage of time here with the minister, I will be sharing my time with Mr. Dykstra.
I have just one quick point to Mr. Mulcair's comment about two official languages. The department did provide intensive briefings in both official languages for all members of Parliament, so I don't know that the minister was aware of the delivery of those two extensive briefings, but we do, at that department, operate in two official languages.
First of all, Minister, congratulations on getting your third surplus budget in a row passed. It's great to see that. Last weekend you were at a G7 conference, and there was lots of buzz back here about the financial discussions going on down there--G7 and the IMF. You alluded to it very quickly in your opening remarks. Regarding the fall economic statement and other initiatives we've taken, can you share with us perhaps how those compare actually with the United States, which isn't seeing the growth that we are, and the strength in their economy?