Finance committee  Yes. It's in some ways a minor change, but it could be important in that it would extend who would be eligible for this program. So you're right, traditionally you'd be able to work down through all levels of credit from AAA and below, and right now it is specific to just triple AAA.

Finance committee  I would simply comment that, as was stated by Sara and Jeff, there were other people in the industry, none of whom are there any longer, and we're the only person left. Obviously, there's some risk in the industry that others have perceived. I would suggest that perhaps we see that and are translating it through in our pricing, not to mention that our own cost of capital, which is the reason why we are here, has continued to go up due to the lack of liquidity in the commercial paper and other forms of funding in the marketplace.

Finance committee  That, I would guess, you would have to ask Governor Carney. I would only say that when we look at the examples, we think it is a good example of the type of program we would recommend he consider.

Finance committee  I would simply say that certainly our negotiations are moving forward very quickly. Since things got started, which they have, we've been working very well. We're doing something that hasn't been done before, and I think everyone appreciates that. It is moving forward and we are hoping and anticipating that it would be in the second quarter.

Finance committee  GE Capital Canada is clearly an important part of the financial infrastructure of Canada. We applaud the Government of Canada for the initiatives they have taken to strengthen this financial infrastructure that is so crucial to small and medium-sized Canadian businesses--the $12 billion secured credit facility, the amendments to the EDC mandate, and the injection of capital into EDC and BDC.

Finance committee  Thank you very much. My name is Elyse Allan. I'm president and CEO of GE Canada. I'm joined by my colleague, Jean-François Bertrand. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to appear before the committee. GE is known for many things. One of them is providing light, and I hope we can provide some light to the challenges of commercial lending in the current environment.