I'm expressing my own view on this, but I've never thought that Canadians could only be successful if their dollar was worth significantly less than the American dollar. When I was young it was not, and Canada was doing very well back then. I've never accepted that thesis, that a devalued currency will make our country stronger. I think Canadians are capable of competing on a level playing field with Americans or anybody else in the world.
Our manufacturing sector went through a very difficult time during the recession. That's why we encouraged the acquisition of more productive machinery and equipment through the accelerated capital cost allowance, which again is continued in this budget, which I hope you will support.
This is a two-year extension of the 50% straight line accelerated capital cost allowance rate. This will provide a total of $620 million over the 2012-13, 2015-16 period.
With respect to the dollar, I hear from businesspeople--and you've probably heard it too in your travels across Canada with your consultations--that for many Canadian businesses, having a stronger Canadian dollar permits them to acquire machinery and equipment priced in American dollars that help them be more productive and more efficient and have a better future and employ more people in Canada.