Mr. Speaker, since we are commending people, I also thank my colleague for his good offices. He too worked very hard and impressed upon the Minister of Finance that such a program was needed. As he indicated, we were in direct contact with the representatives of both industries. I have been working with them for ten years and was criticized for doing so by the members across the way. However, people do not remember that, they only remember what suits them.
This being said, I think that the apparel industry is quite satisfied. As for the textile industry, the challenges are greater. I get back once again to what I said in my speech. Various international factors have negative repercussions on this industry. I reiterate that, in its platform, the Bloc Québécois supports free trade. Today, the Bloc members must decide what side they are taking: are they in favour of opening our borders provided certain steps are taken to protect older workers? Personally, I would fully support such a measure.
A choice has to be made whether we open or close our borders. However, I do not believe that on this side of the House, we have ever advocated protectionism in free trade. Since we took power, this is the position that we have shown in all our programs and decisions.