Mr. Chair, thank you very much.
To add to those five recommendations, we have another five.
Recommendation number six is to introduce a big infrastructure program aimed at improving Canada's infrastructure so that it's world class. Mr. Chair, you'll remember that former prime minister Martin once said that the most ethical government spending is on long-life assets such as roads, bridges, water mains, sewers, the things that are needed for a modern economy to compete. Investing in projects that are 50 to 100 years in lifespan at this low interest rate means future generations will at least receive some benefit, making it the best return on investment of all the stimulative spending options that the government has.
Recommendation number seven is to declare a capital gains holiday for the next 24 months. The economy has sustained an unprecedented blow. Granting a 24-month capital gains exemption will encourage people to invest and turn over otherwise locked-in gains, giving needed resuscitation to the real estate market and the financial sectors.
Recommendation number eight is to allow 100% writeoffs for businesses in the year they make investments for capital equipment. Additionally, allow a 100% writeoff for restaurant dining for business purposes. This will have an immediate beneficial impact on sectors that have been very hurt.
Recommendation number nine is to work to secure a Canadian exemption from the buy American policy and the Buy American Act. This crisis has clearly shown that the dependency on China is dangerous. We must forge closer ties with America and work as a trading bloc in order to be more self-sustaining vis-à -vis the rest of the world. The government has done a good job with USMCA in that it has been signed and passed—