Almost exactly half the jobs in manufacturing companies are in direct research. On the manufacturing side, these are high-tech jobs requiring a high degree of knowledge because the industry is highly regulated. In basic manufacturing, the jobs are fewer in number, it is true. Our companies work in innovation. They are more focused on research and development than manufacturing. So regulation and patents are very important. We are in partnership with the knowledge industry to a greater extent than with manufacturing. That is what sets us apart, and it is why our recommendations seek to change this aspect in order to attract research dollars and high levels of income. The average overall salary level for our employees is much higher than the Canadian average. These are jobs that require a high level of knowledge; they are not by and large manufacturing jobs.
On May 8th, 2008. See this statement in context.