Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for being here.
This is the first time I have spoken on this committee. I am a newcomer.
Earlier, you said that the Canadian economy was doing relatively well and similarly so was Quebec's economy. However, some industries have been hard hit by the rising of the Canadian dollar and competition from Asia. In some municipalities, competition from Asia has seriously hurt textile companies. These two factors will result in job losses in the Quebec furniture industry, particularly if the Canadian dollar continues to rise. This is hurting the production and sales of many industries that export to the United States.
I want to know whether the government has put in place mechanisms, programs or measures to ensure that the problems experienced by the textile industry, which suffered significant job losses, will not occur in the furniture industry or other sectors, including the bicycle manufacturing sector, which has also been hard hit by foreign competition.
My second question concerns supply management, which, in the agricultural sector, is a significant concern. Many farmers believe that supply management is protected. However, Quebec and Canada receive imports of what are called milk proteins, and this is very detrimental to farmers. For example, in Quebec, various statistics show that farmers have lost approximately $500 million. These losses are significant, and they are having a direct impact on dairy farms. I would like to hear your comments on this subject.