Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Minister, for being here today.
In 2008, a number of bankruptcies and receiverships reflected the downturn in the economy, and there were some business fatalities during that time. We reacted with the wage earner protection program.
Now, because of our economic action plan and the right investments we've made in infrastructure and dealing with the economy and showing some leadership, we're seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. It's obvious that businesses are expanding, and there are labour shortages.
In saying that, have you budgeted a lesser amount for the wage earner protection program? It says last year we added $1.4 million annually in operating funds. Is that in benefits or is it just in the administration of that fund?
I also congratulate you on the fact that the time for completing these applications has improved quite substantially. Would you attribute that to a larger number of employees or that people can send in their applications and their claims with greater ease?