Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I need not remind members of the committee who have been here longer than I have been of the importance of this debate and its effect on the major crisis the manufacturing and forestry sectors are grappling with. This motion is a response to the assistance plan being proposed by the government. As far as we are concerned, this assistance plan must be strengthened. It is clear that the motion is in accord with what we heard today. We need to restructure our economy, invest in research and development, implement measures to reinstate the Technology Partnerships Canada program, and give tax refunds to companies so that they can buy new equipment. In addition, single-industry economies such as the forestry sector would greatly benefit from a diversification fund.
I would therefore encourage members of this committee to vote in favour of this motion, thereby sending a clear signal that the crisis is a serious one, that we must take action, and that the government must deploy all means available to help our industries.