Finance committee  I think that, in terms of policy, it is for you to decide.

Finance committee  I agree with François. Overall, the housing market is a bit overheated. I do not think more stimulus is needed. You brought up social housing. If the government pursues that, it should be because there is a need for it and because it would help society, not necessarily to stimulate the economy.

Finance committee  Actually, I think a decision of that nature—whether it be airplanes or houses, one or the other—should be made based on its own merits and not for economic stimulus reasons. You do not buy planes to stimulate the economy, nor, in my opinion, do you build houses to stimulate the economy.

Finance committee  The economy did bounce back very quickly from the recession. I didn't predict the 6% in Q1, or in Q4 of 2009, but it is now slowing. So when it's all said and done, the rate of growth for 2010 is going to be fairly close to what we had predicted before.

Finance committee  The short answer is the market, but that doesn't say anything. It says it all, but it doesn't say anything. Currencies are the most difficult thing to predict, particularly in the short term. Flip a coin; I have no clue. The Canadian dollar could go to $1.05, and it could go to 92¢ U.S.

Finance committee  Yes.

Finance committee  Well, generally speaking, I do think that corporate income taxes should be kept at a minimum, and those that already have been announced and that business is already counting on I would certainly not backtrack. But also, as Glen pointed out, governments do need revenues, and if we do not raise it via corporate income taxes then there have to be some other ways.

Finance committee  Thank you. On the commodities side, certainly we still think that the economic prospects in emerging markets, particularly China, India, and Brazil, are much, much stronger than they are in North America or Europe. Therefore, their growth will be higher and demand for raw materials will be higher, so there should be some upward pressure on commodity prices, which will be good for Canada.

Finance committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for inviting me. I do not want to repeat my colleagues' remarks, but I would like to reinforce what François has just said. Canada is not an island. What happens elsewhere is very important for Canada. But, in 2009 and in 2010, we still performed very well, better than our neighbours and better than Europe.