Given the fact that Canada has an open economy, the manufacturing sector obviously will continue to face challenges with the current economic conditions we face. My view is that the manufacturing sector is fully capable of competing internationally, both in the United States and abroad. Adjustments will be made. They are being made right now. For example, productivity improvements in the manufacturing sector have increased dramatically. And because we have a dollar at par, and other factors have been introduced that will be of benefit to the manufacturing sector going forward, capital investments will be made and adjustments will be made so that the manufacturing sector can come out stronger.
Going forward, let's say in five or ten years, will we be in the same sub-sectors of the manufacturing sector? I think there are going to be changes. We won't be in some sectors and we will be in others. We'll be stronger in others. But that just goes to the strength of the Canadian economy. Will some of the manufacturing jobs shift over to services? That has been happening for 20 years and will continue to happen.
I firmly believe in the flexibility of the Canadian economy to adjust. As long as we provide the right policies at the federal and provincial levels to allow for the effective capital investments to make the shift over the medium term, I have faith that the manufacturing sector will live on in the Canadian context and actually be stronger.