The number was cited about investments in places like the Cayman Islands and Barbados. Canada is a relatively small economy. To achieve economies of scale in our commercial firms and in our banks, we have to grow outside of our boundaries. In doing so, we have to compete globally. We have to find ways to make sure we are competitive.
A lot of these foreign investments are channelled through some jurisdictions to enable those firms to obtain financing on competitive terms, terms that are competitive with other institutions operating around the world, so that they can be successful. That's really one reason why they go that particular route.
In doing so, they enhance their own profits, which eventually flow back to Canada. They create jobs in Canada. As these dividend profits are distributed to shareholders, they are taxable in Canada, so they are incrementally enhancing tax revenue jobs in Canada and income in Canada.