Thank you.
Mr. Georgetti, I see you're aware that the committee is investigating how we can involve the private sector in international development to achieve this country's development objectives. The government feels that the private sector is essential to the reduction of poverty in developing nations. This committee has heard from institutions, joint private projects, professors, as well as think tanks on this matter. From my point of view, the narrative is encouraging, and it seems to reinforce the fact that the private sector is essential--or at the very least does play, or can play, and should play a role in the reduction of poverty in developing nations.
We've even heard support from the opposition regarding the various projects that Canada's respected businesses and NGOs have presented. In fact, our NDP critic for international cooperation, the honourable member for Newton—Delta North, said on December 13:
...we do recognize that the private sector does play and can play a very effective complementary role to the work done by CIDA and through CIDA.
But you do not share this member's opinion that there is a role for the private sector to play, working with CIDA--is that correct?