Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member for his remarks and for his understanding of the small business loan process.
We heard comments in this place earlier today that the maximum amount of $250,000 for a small business loan should be reduced. I do not know that there was a suggested figure. It seemed somewhat arbitrary. I think it was the Progressive Conservative position that the act is okay but the amount is too much. I understand also that the average loan is in the neighbourhood of $65,000 which is obviously dramatically lower than the maximum.
I wonder if the member might have some comments about the importance of leaving a flexible level as high as $250,000 given that these loans can only be used for a capital acquisition such as property or equipment that has actual value. They cannot be for debt consolidation or things where there is no fixed value to the asset that is added to the business.