Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'm a little surprised that Mr. Adler was reading the NDP platform last night, given that it was Halloween. It would have been more appropriate to read the Conservative platform, because that's scary.
Mr. Carney, since this is our last round I have a number of questions for you.
Mr. Jean put a question to you about our overall level of financial sustainability, which I think you answered very effectively. We in the NDP believe fully in financial sustainability, of course. For the last 20 years the ministry of finance has said that NDP governments were the most fiscally and financially sustainable of all party governments.
I think you were making the point that in the current context there is some room for fiscal stimulus within a sustainable framework. That's what I understood, so perhaps you could come back to that point.
Second, on page 12 of your report, you mention the impact of fiscal austerity measures in Europe as one of four factors contributing to a mild recession in the euro area. Perhaps you can speak to that.
Third, in your third technical box, you speak of the relationship between crude oil and gasoline prices. We know the impact of energy prices on the average family budget as well as on inflation. There has been increasing concern about speculation in the energy industry. Are you concerned about the volatility of gas prices and how that could contribute to inflation? Do you favour measures that might rein in that speculation?
Fourth, Canada's balance of payments deficit in terms of the current account is estimated by the IMF to be among the worst of industrialized countries for next year, at -3.8%. That's worse than Spain, Italy, and France. Are you concerned about that, and do you see that as perhaps a byproduct of what many on this side feel is a failed export strategy by the government?