Thank you, Minister.
I think you know the challenge is creating quality as well. We're living in an era of growing expenses, and it's difficult for people to make ends meet.
One of the ways to compete globally is with innovation. In 2013 Canada spent 1.6% of GDP on innovation. France spent 2.2%, Germany 2.8%, and Sweden 3.3%. We were lower than Japan and Australia. We were even lower than Estonia in spending as a percentage of GDP on innovation. We're one of the lowest of the OECD.
Given that innovation is essential in driving and expanding businesses and job creation, I'd like your comments on our low spending on innovation. I notice that there were recent cuts to CANARIE Inc., the National Research Council, cuts to science and technology. Perhaps you could comment on that.