Mr. Speaker, let us try to keep some perspective on what we are trying to accomplish here.
The member will know the concern I have about assistance to business is that it be very strategic in target. That is in line with the strategy other ministers who have responsibility for economic development are pursuing.
As the member will know, we need to make sure our investment in economic development is strategic. It is targeted and focused. It recognizes the need to recognize those sectors in which high risks are prominent, in which other countries are providing assistance to their businesses, in which the markets for goods and services being produced are international and therefore subject to the discipline of international marketplaces.
Those are criteria that apply to regions. Those are criteria that apply to sectors. We have been very consistent in seeking to put our assistance to business programs on that kind of footing.