Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Minister, for being here.
I'm glad to hear that you've met with about 1,200 different companies since you've been minister. What is confusing for me, though, is that you brought five things they brought to your attention: knowledge, time, coordination, infrastructure and local knowledge. We're hearing a little bit different. We're hearing from companies that are saying your government is not listening. There seems to be a focus on program development, but what we're hearing about is the lack of competitiveness. Canadian companies are great quality companies, but they're finding it hard to compete around the world.
I don't think I have to tell you, Minister, that 76% of our trade is with the United States, but we're at a distinct disadvantage on personal and corporate tax rates, resource development, labour productivity, regulatory burdens, internal trade barriers, access to capital, size of the market, incentives to invest and encouragement for entrepreneurship. Some of theses companies, as my colleague said, are in a very dire situation right now and they're waiting for Minister Morneau, who was here in front of committee, to come up with his economic update on November 21.
I was wondering. With all the different companies that you have listened to, what recommendations have you made to Mr. Morneau to address the competitive disadvantages that Canada has, especially with the United States?