Thank you, Chair.
I want to thank you, Mr. Page, for being here this afternoon. When we're talking about the economy, what we're going through, and the global recession and the implications, your insight is always valuable.
I'm going to get your insight on the U.S. economy and the implications it will have for Canada. The U.S. economy's facing some serious fiscal challenges. It's going to require some painful steps to deal with them. Would you agree that while fiscal consolidation may have short-term pain it is necessary in the long term for the economic health of the U.S.?