Mr. Speaker, the rising Canadian dollar is a major economic obstacle for exporters. This factor is wreaking havoc in the riding of Trois-Rivières and elsewhere.
The rising Canadian dollar cuts into our factories' profit margins, which results in job losses and a local economic slowdown.
For example, Kruger announced job cuts at its main plant in Trois-Rivières. Over the next two years, restructuring will result in the elimination of 80 jobs.
Job losses are having a direct negative effect on consumption, as well as repercussions on small and medium-sized businesses who must also cut jobs.
This situation is very troubling. The Bloc Québécois urges the federal government to implement energy measures to support the manufacturing sector, which is such an important source of jobs in the regions.