That is fine.
On energy costs, sir, you might not think they are important for us, but energy costs are very important as, in order to get those customers in the U.S., we included freight in our pricing.
Our situation is challenging, and our recommendations are as follows.
First, we need a strategy that is cohesive and coordinated, and our government has to be proactive with us if it wants to maintain a manufacturing base in Canada. Action is needed on tariff policy, procurement, and in terms of supports available, in a general manner that is favourable to the industry. We have in the past been very vocal as to our proposal that all customs duties on fabric should be removed as long as these fabrics are not produced on a commercial basis in Canada. I insist upon “on a commercial basis”, as I truly believe we should have had a very integrated textile and garment industry in the past. When something is commercially available in Canada, it makes the most business sense to buy from your supplier next door. We don't go through the world having fun buying fabrics.
The recommendations we made have started to be implemented, but it has now been a full year, and implementation is not finished. We have not seen the end of the work that is now being done by the Minister of Finance. If this could be accelerated, of course, it would be helpful.
Procurement policy for me is not only procurement as to Canadian content, but also a way to set an example. I'm wearing my “Wear? Canada!” pin this morning. There is a play on words. I hope you saw it and understood “Wear? Canada!” It is used in all our trade shows. It has been developed thanks to a program from Industry Canada, funded through CAF. We have marketing initiatives and are promoting Canadian-made garments throughout the U.S. when we participate in trade shows.
But in Canada, couldn't we be more specific as to procurement that supported Canadian content? This, I'm sure, could be set as an example and could be marketed towards the consumer.
Finally, it is reasonable at this stage for the government to review existing adjustment measures that have been put in place and review whether they can be extended. The majority of programs initiated under the CATIP program have lapsed or will do so over the coming year. The success of the Apparel Development Centre, which was put in place last year and is administered through CAF and AMIQ, suggests we can work closely with government to deliver targeted programs that complement the policy recommendations included above.
I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your patience, and I await questions and answers so that I can make more points.
Thank you so much.