Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member on his question. I must say that I am delighted to respond.
I am very, very much encouraged by February's strong jump in employment, particularly so since it has occurred in all regions of the country. Nationally, there is a net gain of 66,000 jobs; 11,000 jobs in the member's home province.
What is also very important to understand, Mr. Speaker-and I know that you are hanging on every word-is that there are particularly strong gains in manufacturing in the retailing sector. Some may have noticed that was something that was very worrisome in the month of January.