Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question highlighting the important contribution that the small business sector is making to the over one million jobs that have been created by the private sector in Canada over the last four years. This becomes particularly important in firms that we know are going to grow. These are the firms that export to markets broader than their own local markets and that adapt and use technology.
For that reason we have initiated a range of programs to support their entry into foreign markets, to help them acquire and use technology. We made an election commitment to increase the funding available for the industrial research assistance program. We will continue to support the efforts of small business.