We live in a world where competition is quite fierce. I often hear it said that in Canada we are at a competitive disadvantage given the fact that companies based in other countries have access to more resources. The equivalent of the Trade commissioner service in these countries disposes of much greater resources and means.
I was talking about Australia, which is a good example. There are other countries as well that, for example, share in the costs relating to the development of marketing materials for the export market. They also share in the costs and risks related to the participation in trade fairs in foreign countries. Canada has had similar programs in the past, but cuts were made several years ago.
We must look at the situation of most of our foreign competitors. Let us look at the United States. President Obama has made a commitment to double exports between now and 2015. A lot of resources are thus being made available to American exporters with a view to developing export markets.
It is therefore important that we continue to have these services. The government must continue to provide them. We could perhaps have discussions as to the way of improving these services, but it is important that this access be maintained and that this be done at the current rate.