Good morning. Thank you for inviting us.
For the Conseil du patronat, the overall objective of the upcoming budget is to maintain the best possible conditions for sustainable prosperity in an uncertain global climate. Among the areas of focus that will allow this objective to be achieved, in our view, are the rigorous control of public spending and investment in infrastructure and innovation. Other aspects are of equal importance, but I will come back to them a little later.
The very unpredictable global economic climate requires us to be highly vigilant. As a result, Canada must also commit to prudent budgeting, specifically in order to provide elbow room, to be able to intervene where necessary, and to allow us room to manoeuvre in the event of another economic slowdown or recession. In that regard, the Conseil encourages the government to continue its efforts to return to balanced budgets by 2014-2015 by ensuring better control of spending, notably through the strategic review and without affecting transfers to the provinces.
Investments in transportation infrastructure are essential if the economy is to function smoothly. Quebec, in particular, is facing urgent, major problems with its transportation infrastructures. It is important for the federal government to do its part in funding these projects and to continue contributing to an efficient and effective transportation network in Quebec. We are thinking in particular of the rebuilding of the Champlain Bridge. We read in La Presse this morning that the announcement could come as soon as today. We certainly support the movement in that direction. We also have in mind projects such as the rail shuttle between Montreal airport and downtown.
Other essential ingredients of sustained economic growth are innovation and improved productivity. Canadian businesses unfortunately continue to fare less well in these areas. More must therefore be done to correct the situation. We are specifically thinking about simplifying the processes within the existing resource envelope. It's not about more contributions; it's about better contributions. The assistance must contribute more to innovation, wealth creation and increased productivity.
Among the other recommendations we make in our brief, let me mention investments in training that are better targeted and better tied to the needs of the market, with special attention paid to the needs of workers who are not eligible for employment insurance. We attribute equal importance to a review of the employment insurance program and to the increased need for combatting tobacco smuggling. We welcome the plan to reduce corporate income tax. We support the negotiations for economic partnerships with other economies such as the European Union, India and China, and the lightening of regulatory and administrative burdens.
In conclusion, we would like to take advantage of our time here to express the hope that Quebec will be entrusted with a significant number of the contracts to be awarded under Canada's National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. We think that this would serve, not only to create jobs in Quebec, but also, most importantly, to maintain, strengthen and develop our cutting edge expertise in this area.
Thank you very much.