Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to thank the witnesses for being with us today.
In my riding, LaSalle—Émard, 6,000 jobs depend on the manufacturing sector. Here we are talking about 120,000 jobs in the greater Montreal area. That sector has been hard hit in recent years and we have seen a large number of businesses close their doors. Many of those jobs have disappeared.
Bill C-45, which is before the House of Commons, proposes changes to the research and development program. As I mentioned, research and development lead to innovation. As regards the changes, there is a reduction from 20% to 15%, among other things, and capital expenditure eligibility is being amended. We touched briefly on that aspect.
I would like you to give us more details on the consequences this will have for your members, particularly for our competitive power, especially with the United States.