Thank you very much for your question.
I think the Prime Minister or officials from the Department of Finance would be better placed to answer it, but I can imagine it would be difficult. As we discussed before the meeting, this is a very difficult time economically. There was a loss of 100,000 jobs over the summer. In addition, as we saw this morning, the consumer price index has risen. In the current economic context, it is difficult.
In addition, given the financial context, it is clearly much more difficult now compared to the situation before the election. The deficit will be higher than we previously forecasted. MPs and senators will have to find a solution to change and reshape Canada's economy to ensure sustainable long-term growth. It's important to understand that our supposed crucial economic relationship with the United States is over. To quote the Prime Minister, there was a breakdown.
As you said, it's going to be incredibly difficult. These are not normal times. In my opinion, the current economic context is more difficult than the one we experienced during the pandemic and in 2008 and 2001.