Subcommittee on Canadian Industrial Sectors committee  We support that idea. However, there would have to be a maximum time in which those credits could be claimed. A company that has not made a profit in ten years perhaps should not be in business. We support the position in the present situation because a lot of companies are not m

Subcommittee on Canadian Industrial Sectors committee  The last budget increased the duration of that program, I think it increased from 36 to 52 weeks. It is very positive. In fact, we've had one member company contact us for information on it. They've used it in previous downturns as well. Again, because our sector requires such

Subcommittee on Canadian Industrial Sectors committee  I don't think labour is.... It plays a key role. Just remember that a year ago eight upgraders were on the books and that was at the height of a time when the economy was still going strong, and the labour supply issue was still tight. They were on the books then, but now we've s

Subcommittee on Canadian Industrial Sectors committee  I would just add that there's the issue of getting the price for carbon right, but underlying this is that substitutes have to be available. I would say, too, that we had a good case study on this when we had that rapid increase in energy prices about a year ago. We saw what kind

Subcommittee on Canadian Industrial Sectors committee  Yes.

Subcommittee on Canadian Industrial Sectors committee  Obviously, we're very, very focused on R and D, given the nature of our product. We need to stay innovative. I know a lot of our companies use the SR and ED tax credit system extensively and are very involved with government officials on how to improve that program and make it mo

Subcommittee on Canadian Industrial Sectors committee  About 2% to 3% of sales is R and D here in Canada.

Subcommittee on Canadian Industrial Sectors committee  I will have to get back to you with exact numbers on that. I don't have them with me today.

Subcommittee on Canadian Industrial Sectors committee  Perhaps I can add something with regard to what we see going on right now in terms of the upgraders. They are not eligible for the accelerated capital cost allowance that's now in place federally and provincially. What we're seeing in the U.S. is that their refineries have been g