I believe we have to act on a number of fronts.
First of all, we absolutely have to deal with workforce adjustment. Clearly, some industries are expanding. We have to make sure that the people who will be transferred from one industry to another receive the necessary training. That said, there simply are no resources. Even in these times of economic growth and budget surpluses, they do not exist. Or at least there should be more plentiful than there are.
Second, we have to develop strategies. Clearly there has to be a repositioning of the manufacturing sector in Canada. We cannot produce low-end commodities in the current global context. That might change, but such a strategy is not sustainable at this point in time. However, there are promising sectors in each industry. Information is needed to develop them, and businesses, especially the SMEs that are under equipped for technology watch and market intelligence, must have access to direct services that can help them reposition themselves and modernize their equipment.
Third, Canada has to deal with macroeconomic conditions. Today, the fact that our dollar is worth more than the US dollar is a disaster in waiting. The situation is due in large part to the boom in resources and to currency speculation. People want to buy into the boom.
That is a perfect description of Dutch disease. Our economy could be in for a rough landing because of very strong growth in one sector. In that regard, we suggest that dealing with the currency level be part of the Bank of Canada's mandate. We cannot afford to be as careless as we are now. As well...