As a rule, when it comes to procurement, we are subject to the treaties signed by Canada. So, other than in rare exceptions, when a call for bids goes out, it is usually open to everyone. I’m saying this in answer to your first question. What you may be concerned about, although I don’t mean to presume, is that Canadian suppliers are not getting their fair share. I would ask you to examine the statistics on the identity of government service providers. You will see that a great majority of them are Canadian residents. So even if we open the doors, you know... Opening the doors is important. A short time ago, Mr. Proulx said he hoped that small and medium-sized businesses would get large enough to play an international role. If that’s what we want, it means we want them to get contracts in other countries, other jurisdictions. So we also have to accept the fact that other companies from other countries will also be entering our markets. However, a very large majority of suppliers are Canadian.
On November 9th, 2006. See this statement in context.