Industry committee  I want my answer to be good because I agree with you entirely. I think that the sector needs to develop a better relationship with our Quebec and Canadian manufacturers, but the fact of the matter is, every survey indicates only a small proportion of consumers buy products because they are made locally.

Industry committee  It would suit me, Mr. Vincent, to agree with you, but when you look at the figures on cross-border shopping in Quebec, you'll see that they're just as high as in Ontario and British Columbia. The fact is that consumers don't have as much money in their hip pockets. If they need three loafs of bread, three mattresses, and can save 20%, well then it doesn't matter whether the product was made in Quebec or Canada, it doesn't mean much, unfortunately.

Industry committee  We've calculated that for general merchandise retailers, the investment made in the community through retrofitting stores, opening new stores, training employees, and using trades was last year close to $10 billion, so it's huge. The point I'd like to make is that we have to start looking as a country at the service sector, certainly retail, as being an important part of the success of manufacturing.

Industry committee  I do not think there is a specific percentage that could... In our industry, there is probably a percentage, but even there, it probably depends on the category of product. Let me explain what I mean. An effort must be made to eliminate tariffs, particularly import duties, particularly if they are not protecting industries that are supposed to be protected in Canada.

Industry committee  The chairman is having a problem with me.

Industry committee  Thank you very much. This is an important question. I mentioned in my opening remarks the model that's being used in Quebec to recognize in-house training. If you look at the retail sector, a lot of the training, from entry level to the top, is very much in-house. Home Hardware is a perfect example.

Industry committee  Yes, in fact, we have developed a certification program for sales associates and first-level store managers. In Quebec, they have developed a course that is now offered through most of the CEGEPs, the colleges, which provides a degree in retail management. Ryerson University has developed a retail diploma, and we're pleased to say that the University of Alberta has just opened a school of retailing.

Industry committee  I hope I answered your question.

Industry committee  I'll let our vice-president talk about cabotage, because I must tell you I was shocked when I found out that our rules were so different from those in the U.S. You may want Kim to talk about that.

Industry committee  I agree completely. If people have to go back to the labour market at age 70 because they do not have enough income to enjoy life, that is truly a sad situation. However, generally speaking, I do not think that people who go back to work in retail do so specifically because they need a pay cheque at the end of the week.

Industry committee  I must be honest—I cannot claim that that is the case. This is after all a newer phenomenon. We are in the process of studying the type of training being developed by retailers at the moment. This would apply not only to older workers, but also to young people. They have a new attitude about work and lifestyle.

Industry committee  I won't speak on the grocery side specifically, but let me speak on general merchandise. Your assessment is correct. We've found for quite a period of time that to find economies of scale and to be extremely competitive in the marketplace, large retailers from coast to coast have been sourcing products from outside the country, specifically Asia and some in eastern Europe.

Industry committee  I never talked so fast in my life.

Industry committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Merci, monsieur le président. We will be addressing or touching on three areas. One is investing in our people, the second is investing in new technology, and the third is removing barriers. As mentioned, I am the president and CEO of the Retail Council of Canada, Conseil canadien du commerce de détail.

Industry committee  Now you know there's one thing we won't agree on.