Mr. Speaker, it was interesting to hear some of the comments of the speaker opposite. I want to deal with a few points.
He mentioned the lack of things being done in the small business area. The member opposite is not a new member. I am sure he knows the work the standing committee has done with the banks for the last four years as far as making them more accountable and having more SBLA loans.
I am sure the member opposite is aware of the technology partners Canada program of which there have been a number of projects in his province. IRAP has been extended across Canada and has been very valuable, especially for small businesses that are getting into some of the research and development that we need.
I am sure he realizes the refocusing of the business development bank. I am sure he has read that 39% of the loans that go through the SBLA are for start-up companies, for companies under three years. Approximately 57% or 58% of the loans go to those businesses in the under three-year period where it is difficult to get going as a business and to make things happen.
He mentioned caisses populaires. I was not quite sure of the point he was making. Is he saying that caisses populaires have not been doing their work in the SBLAs? It is the official lender under this act in Quebec and across Canada. I was not sure what point he was making with the caisses populaires.