Minister, I beg to differ with you when you claim that the government is doing a pretty a good job, particularly in the case of Quebec's manufacturing sector. Since your government came to power, we've lost over 70,000 manufacturing jobs in the province. At this rate, in three years' time, there will no longer be a manufacturing sector in Quebec. We've crunched the numbers. Urgent action is warranted.
Alberta's manufacturing sector accounts for 7% of that province's economic activity, whereas in Quebec, the sector represents 90% of our exports. Overall, 59% of our GDP is impacted by these policies.
In the budget, you proposed capital cost allowance programs to assist production. That might work. A tax reduction program for businesses was also proposed. However, when businesses aren't making any money because they've gone bankrupt, they aren't paying taxes. This measure doesn't really help businesses.
I really want to know what you intend to do. Clearly, the sector is adrift right now, and if the government negotiates more agreements with China, Korea and other nations, the situation will only get worse for us.
What steps does the government intend to take to address this situation? If action isn't taken quickly, we will be in a fine mess.
What solution do you foresee to resolve this serious, alarming problem?