Obviously, I appreciate the questions.
Let me just say generally that, as part of what we're doing, we're trying to ease up on the credit conditions a little bit. The loan portfolio of BDC as of December 31, 2008 was $10.9 billion, which is an 11% increase over the last year. We're providing $2.2 billion in new loan authorizations for the first three quarters of 2008-09. We have new money in this budget as well. We're authorized by Budget 2009 to have an increase in BDC's capital limit to $3 billion from $1.5 billion. These are things that will be helpful to BDC in continuing its role and responsibility with small and medium-sized enterprises.
With venture capital, you raise a good point. As we know, Canada lags the United States, for instance, in our ability to have angel investors and to have venture capital. We need to do better in that category. We do have a commitment to utilize BDC for a venture capital fund. That is not up and running yet, but certainly if you have any suggestions on that, I'd be more than happy to hear you out.