Mr. Speaker, the hon. member said he agreed with what I said. It is hard to say anything more, except perhaps to add that, while sovereignists, the members of the Bloc Quebecois make a full contribution to parliamentary committees, including the Standing Committee on Industry.
In that particular case, we make as positive a contribution as possible because, as long as Quebec remains part of the federal system and Quebeckers pay their share of taxes to the federal government, we are perfectly justified in taking advantage of this process, since it benefits Quebec businesses.
Of course we feel the Quebec government and every region in Quebec should be involved. There are 16 economic regions in Quebec and each has a separate strategic plan. Realities vary from one region to the next, be it geographical realities, distance or what not. Some natural resources may also be found in one region but not in others. Hence the need for regional microeconomics.
This bill dealing with small business loans of up to $250,000 directly concerns the type of businesses we find in all regions of Canada. This is a basic program but it should be pointed out that similar programs already exist in Quebec. Take the FTQ workers' fund for example. This is a Quebec initiative, which the CNTU recently imitated. Funds are generated to help small and medium size businesses and promote their sustainability. This also allows for the establishment of new businesses.
Consideration in committee of this bill should focus on assessing existing programs at other levels to make sure they are complementary and useful. Other programs will need to be created.
Entrepreneurs often come to see me at my office. They tell me there is not always enough time to compare the benefits of all the programs available. I was told—and did not get a chance to check—that credit and loans are available from at least 50 sources. Checking them all is a time-consuming process. I think it should be simplified.
This is a time when the federal government should work in co-operation with provincial governments to prevent duplication and competition. This would allow us to develop business assistance programs that meet the particular needs of businesses in a given region.