Mr. Carty, thank you for being here today. I apologize for some of the heated comments here. I want you to know this is a committee that normally functions very well. Despite our partisan differences, we tend to try to work things out as best as we can.
I have been in touch with some officials from the Ontario equivalent of what we have here nationally. They are of course very disappointed with the turn of events, because they tend to think there is less of an emphasis now on science.
Can you give me an illustration of what other nations are doing at this very difficult time?
We've finished a report on manufacturing, where we've identified the need for greater research and development, particularly in breakthrough areas. I recall sitting in this very seat in 1999 when a fellow by the name of Preston Manning, leader of the Reform Party, was amazed at synchrotron and the nanotechnology our chair has referred to many times.
Can you give us an illustration of nations that are doing very much what we formerly did, with an advisor and the kinds of investments being made that will continue to attract future business? Can you give me examples of countries that do not have this sort of schizophrenic approach to science--one day hot and next day cold?