Thank you very much, Chair.
I want to thank Mr. Hodgson and Mr. Rhéaume for coming in.
I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment overall, Mr. Hodgson. In a nutshell, the way I would summarize what you've said is the essential goal of this entire exercise in the reports is to have a better standard of living while working fewer hours and generating more income per capita. That's the essence of it, working smarter and being productive. Some say we have to work longer. I disagree with that. We have to work smarter.
One of the most important indicators that one can see as a means to judge our success is the average income, which is not keeping pace with that of the United States, and that gap is widening with other countries as well. That is really a reflection of individual wealth and the inequity that's growing in our society as well between the haves and the have nots.
The two areas where I want your assistance in better understanding are diversification in trade and, secondly, the Canadian common market, which you alluded to in your remarks as well.
In your view of the current Government of Canada overseas trade resources, are they limited when compared with other countries? For instance, we've seen and we've heard that they'll be closing consulate offices, for example, in Milan, in Italy, in Russia, and in Japan. Do you think that is the appropriate strategy to promote trade, or do you think we need to open additional offices? If so, strategically, what would some of the recommendations be? Which markets should we focus on?
That's my first question. After you answer that I have a couple of other questions as well for you.