To Mr. Palmer, social enterprise is one area that I'm very interested in, and have been for awhile. I just wonder if you would like to expand on where you see social enterprise heading in the next five years.

1 p.m.

Executive Director, Causeway Work Centre

Don Palmer

I think there's been an increased interest among the not-for-profit sector in developing social enterprise as a way of mitigating some of the social issues we're dealing with. We know that government has a limited amount of money, and I think there's a lot of entrepreneurial intent. There are restrictions, for instance, imposed by the CRA around social enterprise. Social enterprise has to be training-oriented. Hiring people with a disability and providing them with employment alone is not considered to be exempt, so there's a real and negative incentive for a lot of not-for-profits moving in that direction.

A question was asked earlier about the job market and how it's affecting the people who are coming through our doors. I think we're seeing less available jobs, particularly for a lot of the people we support, who often need jobs in the service industry or manufacturing. Social enterprise is a way of getting around that. We work with a lot of talented people who could be mobilized into operating businesses that can provide them with a decent wage.

1 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Dean Allison

Thank you very much.

To our guests, I want to thank all of you for being here today, not only for your great testimony but also for the great work you do in the communities. As we move forward with the study, your input is very important. I think education among members of Parliament, among other things, is important as well.

Again, thank you for being here today to share your experiences and your recommendations with us.

The meeting is adjourned.