Finance committee  The various subsidies are still in place because they're supporting the different businesses during the pandemic. If the number of cases remains very high over the summer and businesses are unable to reopen as planned, the gradual disappearance of these subsidies may be more difficult for the businesses.

Finance committee  I can't say what the impact would have been. However, it's important to acknowledge that the major trends in online shopping and retail were already under way. Did they pick up speed during the pandemic? Would some consumers have behaved differently? Would they have shopped at local businesses instead of through the major platforms?

Finance committee  Thank you for the question. There are several options. However, I want to point out that retailers have adapted their delivery methods. Some have been very resourceful in dealing with the competition. Of course, in contrast with some of the well-known large online retailers, the retailers that don't have an economy of scale that provides ample resources to organize delivery are facing certain challenges.

Finance committee  I'll tell you right off the bat that it's better late than never. Basically, you must understand that the QST is currently being collected by most online platforms in Quebec. Some aspects are already in place. The Quebec experience shows that, when asked, most major online sales platforms readily comply with government requests to register and collect taxes.

Finance committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. I want to start by thanking the committee members for the invitation to come here today to talk about the positions and issues of the retail industry, the day after an important day in the parliamentary calendar. The tabling of a budget is usually one of the most significant events of the year in Parliament.