This is where I think we fundamentally disagree. I think we are in a global innovation race. I do believe other jurisdictions are stepping up in a meaningful way to support key sectors. The loan, the repayable contribution, that we had for Bombardier, for example, is really focused on research and development, and especially in the aerospace sector, which is highly intensive in research and development.
This sector employs over 208,000 Canadians from coast to coast and contributed $28 billion. We just need to be mindful that we have a level playing field. When other jurisdictions are stepping up for their aerospace sector, we in Canada must be strategic and thoughtful.
In a perfect world, you're right that no government would be involved, but that's not the reality, and we have to be mindful of that reality, because these are good quality jobs that, on average, pay 60% more than other manufacturing jobs. They are good quality jobs, and it's about research and development and being competitive relative to our international peers.