Thank you, Mr. Chair.
It's unfortunate that my colleague would reduce this meeting to that kind of gibberish, but nevertheless, I am glad to meet you. It's the first time we've had an opportunity to meet one another, so I was anxious for today's meeting.
I've really focused on the things you've said here this morning in your statement. I do note that you talk a lot about the long-term and not the short-term fiscal challenges. Yet when I look at some of the things you've said in the past...for example, earlier this year you told the Toronto Star that a Department of Finance study on economic stimulus indicated business tax cuts were not the best way to support job creation. You also note that the economic multiplier is not as strong as other types of stimulus. However, the Department of Finance study also said a number of things about long-term capability and sustainability. As you've said in your own presentation today, the long term is very important.
I think you've already said here today that you believe that policies have to support long-term economic growth. The Department of Finance's study indicated business taxes are one of the best policies to pursue over the long term. Would you agree with that statement that business taxes and the reform that's suggested are a good way to benefit the long-term economic growth of this country?