Mr. Chair, Quebec exports by 25 sectors of activity increased in 5 sectors and decreased in 20 over the past three months compared to the same period in 2007.
I will use the example given by the minister. There can be no better example than the forestry sector. The Canadian Forestry Association told the committee that refundable tax credits are necessary. Band-aid solutions or subsidies are not the answer. There should be refundable tax credits for businesses. Furthermore, the Technology Partnerships Canada program should be reinstated as it facilitates the development of new products in the regions of Quebec and Canada.
That was a unanimous recommendation of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, which was chaired by the member for Edmonton—Leduc. All members of this House supported this recommendation.
The Conservative government hid behind its ideology. It did not want to provide this opportunity to manufacturers that do not make a profit. The Conservative government will have to bear the responsibility for the loss of thousands of jobs. Looking further down the road, those who have devoted their lives to their families will find themselves on social assistance in their final years because of this government.