I don't think I could possibly overstate how desperate the picture is for restaurants, local communities and small businesses across the country. These supports are absolutely crucial. We can't even begin talking about recovery until we start talking about survival first.
While we are sensitive to the fact that money doesn't grow on trees and the government probably can't keep printing it, the reality is—as one of the other witnesses said here today—that a government budget is not the same as a household budget. It is to our detriment to keep making that analogy, because restaurants are a critical pillar of our culture, our communities and our local economy.
We contributed four per cent to the country's total GDP. Without the support of a government in return, the heart and soul of so many communities will be bereft.
I want to make sure Dan has some time to speak to this as well, as I know he has some thoughts and feelings to share.