It is interesting to note the open-mindedness that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about in the population. The crisis has also changed the government's view of the security of supply, including the supply of drugs and protective equipment. I think we've taken a big step forward.
As a company, we can choose to focus on our local manufacturers and rely on the security of our drug supply. We will then have to be aware that we will pay more for these products. If that is the societal choice we make as Canadians today, I see a very bright future for these kinds of companies in this country, many of which have been relocated to Asia because of the costs.
In my company's case, the crisis has created opportunities. So we started to produce hydroalcoholic gel, a vein that we had never thought of exploiting in recent years. This new production allowed us to avoid layoffs and remain self-sufficient, since we did not need government assistance programs. This production also allowed us to offset losses in other sectors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the drop in activity in the hospital sector due to the cancellation of many surgical procedures. Like any good entrepreneur, we saw a good opportunity and made a good decision.