Mr. Speaker, the government likes to boast about its trade record, but let us examine the facts. Yes, the facts.
In August, Canada had a $1.3 billion trade deficit, and exports of industrial goods were 13% lower than they were this time last year. There is bad news on the import front as well. Our companies spent almost 4% less on machinery purchases last month.
When will the government take its poor—if not pathetic—record seriously and do something about it?