Mr. Chair, the issue the member opposite raises with respect to older workers is one that was raised with me by the Bloc a couple of years ago when we were doing our budget consultations. Quite frankly, I thought the point that was made by the previous finance critic for the Bloc was a point that was well taken and we did move forward with the older workers program, which we have extended and augmented. This is designed specifically for members between the ages of 55 and 62, precisely what the hon. member describes as being necessary.
Do we have a plan? Yes, we do. Do we use the plan as a prism to decide what we will do in terms of fiscal and tax policy, a knowledge advantage, an entrepreneurial advantage and an infrastructure advantage? Yes, we do. It is called Advantage Canada and I commend it to the member opposite. It is a good read. We have been following it and implementing it as we move forward in our budgeting cycles. It is, as I say, the prism through which we view proposals with respect to various issues.
I compliment the member for Outremont on his view of government and government's role with respect to business. I share his view as he expressed it in 2002.
He spoke about a government whose members insist on appearing to be businesspeople, but do not let the free market determine which businesses will survive and which will not.
I agree with him. It is not for government to substitute its opinion for business. I am sure the member for Outremont agrees with what he said in 2002.