Thank you, Mr. Chair.
SMEs need to be protected at all costs so that they can at least continue to operate. We want to be very clear from the outset that we are not opposed to rationalizing services or to combining 125 cable services into one. However, we mustn't lose sight of the fact that SMEs are the driving force behind the Canadian economy—this according to Industry Canada officials. Therefore, it is vitally important that there be a place for them in the economy.
Another important consideration is duplication of services. That was clear from the assistance that was supposedly given to SMEs by the Business Development Bank of Canada and MERX. Another very important topic to examine is the Small Business Office which, I hate to say, appears to be made up of people who are looking for some direction at this time. They do not seem to have defined their mandate very clearly.
According to recent newspaper reports, Public Works and Government Services Canada appears to be willing to truly target or acknowledge SMEs. The department's efforts in that regard should be encouraged. Witnesses have suggested to us various small ways in which their efforts could be supported.
Ms. saint pierre appeared to have a firm grasp of the problem, but I got the impression that someone higher up on the ladder had changed opinions. So then, I say that we should help Ms. saint pierre. She seems to have clearly understood the issues. We need to come up with some arguments.
Finally, on an entirely different subject, I would very much like for us to have a steering committee, Mr. Chair, so that we can communicate with one another.
I have nothing further to add.