It is great to see both large organizations here to help us with our manufacturing study. We are just beginning this and, again, we are focusing on manufacturing, so I am going to relate my questions to some of the pillars we are looking at within the budget that is before the House of Commons right now.
The budget is being presented as leading to “a more innovative Canada”. How do we create jobs within the middle class, in this case relating to manufacturing? My favourite page of the whole document that is in front of the House is page 110, which gives the pillars of investment: creative and entrepreneurial citizens; science and technology; innovation infrastructure; and supportive business environment for commercialization and growth.
I want to focus on the first pillar, which is “Creative and Entrepreneurial Citizens”.
Mr. Smith, you mentioned in your presentation the opportunities for students. We are looking at federal tools to help support internships and youth work experiences, such as apprenticeships, as well as trying to improve the immigration policy. Could you expand on the Chamber of Commerce network's take on how we develop that important asset in the innovation agenda, in terms of developing our workforce?