Culture and management capacity is an issue that comes up more and more. Numerous studies mention that aspect. The evidence is still anecdotal, but all the facts point to a cultural difference. The recent strategy addresses that, incorporating a new element aimed at improving that culture.
Of course, it's a long-term effort, given that an educational component beginning at childhood is necessary, since it involves a change in attitude. It's also crucial to address the issue at the post-secondary level, especially in business education.
The final component when it comes to the current management framework, the one that matters most from an adult standpoint, revolves around the tools that can be put in place, modified or enhanced to improve the situation.
I mentioned the Canada accelerator and incubator program, which focuses primarily on small and new businesses with plans for rapid growth. That kind of expertise and mentoring—mentoring is a large part of the services we provide to small businesses—can be made available to managers in any size business.
We also want to urge business schools to offer programs not just for university-age students, but also for managers and executives in the midst of their careers.
This is work that will span a generation, and we are just in the early stages. The role of the federal and provincial governments aren't entirely clear and have yet to be defined. I encourage the committee to examine that dimension.