I'll answer your questions in the order in which you've asked them, if you see no objection to that.
I believe in savings. One program began under the aegis of the last government, but I don't think this is a partisan issue. When the State spends this much money annually, anyone in my place would try to find ways of saving money.
We spend colossal amounts, and that's entirely normal, because we support all the departments.
However, I want to reassure you: We are committed to making substantial savings. I refer you to Mr. Flaherty's budget, which clearly states that our department expects supply savings of nearly $2.5 billion over five years. Those savings are already set out in Mr. Flaherty's budget. I believe we must make these efforts on behalf of taxpayers.
Your second question, which concerns regionalization, is a good question. It refers to the principle of balance between getting the best possible price and a quasi-industrial policy to permit or encourage the growth of small and medium enterprises across the country.
As a result of the creation of the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises, if we as a department do our work right, there will be, in the coming years, more smaller businesses in the regions entering into contracts with the Government of Canada.
Small and medium enterprises currently contribute 43 per cent of Canada's gross domestic product. I don't have the exact figures. It's a bit complicated because Public Works and Government Services Canada is not entirely responsible for all government acquisitions. However, I would say that, as government suppliers, small and medium enterprises probably don't win more than 30 per cent of the value of government contracts. There's already a major gap between what actually exists in the economy and government supply.
I hope that, over the next few years, we'll be able to tip the balance in favour of small and medium enterprises. I believe that, since they are located in large part in Canada's regions, the SMEs will indirectly increase the share of the regions.
We're proceeding with regional calls for tenders for the purchase of certain goods. Ms. Thibault, the senior officials present here will forward much more accurate information to you, today or later, on each of those regional calls for tenders.
As for your last question, which concerned the breakdown of purchases by region, I don't have any information, but I remember previously having it.