Mr. Speaker, those who know the reality better than anyone else are the people in the manufacturing sector. They know full well what they are up against. In recent weeks, we have received letters from, among others, the CAW, the industrial engineers, the Quebec manufacturers and exporters association, the forest products association, and the Quebec federation of chambers of commerce. In their letters, all these stakeholders demand immediate action by the federal government to support manufacturing businesses.
Why is the Minister of Finance stubbornly turning a deaf ear? He should realize that, with anticipated surpluses of $11.6 billion, he has the means to take immediate action.