Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Good afternoon, everyone.
My sincere thanks to all those testifying before the Standing Committee on Finance. The committee is very interested in all the ideas and recommendations you have presented.
Dr. Moineau, I certainly heard your message about investing in the sciences and in research, as the Naylor report mentioned. I feel that you are totally right to say that it would bring a lot to Canada in terms of the ability to be more innovative and competitive, and to deliver really meaningful health services in our country.
Mr. Coleridge, I thought your presentation on mentorship and the services that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada provide are.... You're not asking for a lot, yet it can deliver a lot. We know that when you give young people exposure to a different way of living, a better way of living, and having somebody who they can confide in, and who they develop a long-term relationship with as a mentor.... I've seen that first-hand and how it works in Gatineau. I have to salute your colleagues in Gatineau.
The Grands Frères et Grandes Soeurs de l'Outaouais are doing exceptional work for the youth of the country, especially, as you mentioned, for newcomers, which is really important.
Ms. Deschamps and Ms. Corbeil, you have done a lot to popularize science. I offer you my thanks, as I did with Mr. Coleridge. You are providing an example for young people, especially young women, so that they can work in a scientific field. That is really important. We could certainly invest more in that area.
Mr. Yussuff and Mr. Luff, I greatly appreciate your taking the time to recognize the tax benefits inherent in our system. It is important for us to discuss the matter, so that we can fully explore the issue of tax fairness.
Mr. Prouse, I don't know what you did in a previous life to be associated with our chair, but thank you for your presence. Certainly, we do appreciate what CropLife can do. Again, it's similar to the faculties of medicine in Canada or similar to the association of science centres. Again, it's an opportunity for us to invest in research and development especially in the agriculture and agrifood sector. It's very important. As my colleague Mr. Kmiec said, it was very helpful.
Finally, to you, Mr. Bourque, from the Railway Association of Canada. I appreciate your recommendation on the accelerated capital cost allowance, which can lead to investments in railway construction and help to reduce greenhouse gases.
I also appreciate your support for VIA Rail’s high-frequency passenger rail service.
Can we discuss that, Mr. Bourque? You said that producers, manufacturers, want to invest in railways. Can you tell us more about that, not only about what is being done in the Quebec forestry industry, but also elsewhere in Canada? Can it also apply to co-operatives and farmers in western Canada?