Most of the Quebec economy consists of SMEs, even in the manufacturing sector, although it's often associated with large businesses. All Quebec sectors consist mostly of SMEs.
That's especially important from a regional economic development standpoint. You know that, since as an MP you represent Charlevoix, among other areas. SMEs essentially form the economic core of our communities in the regions outside the major centres.
Looking at the situation from a broader perspective, when you think of businesses that may be weakened by the obligation to repay the CEBA loan, you may immediately think only of certain businesses that are often viewed as less successful. However, when you look at the actual cases of communities in certain regions or neighbourhoods, you see that those businesses are pillars of their community. They are the businesses that are being undermined by being asked to repay these amounts at this time.
The impact is very real for many people in many communities. That's why we would like to see a one-year delay, even though we're aware that repayment can't be postponed indefinitely and that a contract has to be complied with. You have to consider the situation people are experiencing in many regions.