Industry and Technology committee  In our opinion, the restrictions imposed on the temporary foreign worker program jeopardize the productivity and growth of businesses that, as you obviously know, are struggling with a shortage of skilled labour. This shortage undermines the competitiveness of our economy and our regions in particular.

Industry and Technology committee  No, it is still something that we are hearing a lot about. We created a guide on decarbonization with the help of energy experts. The goal is to explain, not only to big corporations but also to SMEs, the approach to take, the game plan for decarbonizing their operations. Earlier, I gave the example of Bridgestone.

Industry and Technology committee  Companies have a strong interest in increasing their decarbonization and reducing their environmental footprint, particularly by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and by recovering what is produced within their own facilities. I am thinking in particular about circular economy processes that prevent too much of what is being produced from being wasted and allowing it to be reused more effectively.

Industry and Technology committee  My colleague, Hubert Rioux, can add to my answer if he wants. The aerospace industry is facing several productivity challenges, some of which are a result of measures put in place by different levels of government that have an impact not only on the aerospace industry but on other sectors as well.

Industry and Technology committee  Mr. Chair, Madam Vice-Chair, Mr. Vice-Chair and distinguished members of the committee, we thank you for giving us an opportunity to be here today. I would remind you that we are Quebec's largest network of business people. We represent 120 chambers of commerce and more than 40,000 businesses.

Transport committee  As regards airport rents, we have historically said that costs are indeed quite high. That prevented investment in modernizing airport infrastructure and ensuring that assets were maintained. We wanted to see lower rents charged by the federal government for that infrastructure.

Transport committee  I really want to give my colleague a chance to answer you.

Transport committee  Yes, we would have liked to see that. I think the federal government's presence would have been significant because of its involvement in air transportation issues. Like Danielle Côté, from UMQ, and other economic actors, we recommend the tendering system for Quebec regional air links.

Transport committee  I'll speak first and then let my colleague Mr. Corbeil express his opinion. With regard to impediments, pilot availability is obviously a factor, apart from infrastructure, that very often comes up in comments. Groups interested in regional air transportation discuss how the federal government could make regulations to reduce delays in obtaining pilot licences and permits.

Transport committee  That's an entirely appropriate question. Our organization, the Fédération des chambres de commerce, represents 120 chambers of commerce located across Quebec. We frequently discuss issues with their representatives, and the chambers of commerce often come and tell us what's happening on the ground.

Transport committee  Thank you very much. Good afternoon. I am Philippe Noël, vice-president for Public and Economic Affairs at the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, the FCCQ. With me today is my colleague Laurent Corbeil, who is our adviser, public and economic affairs, and is responsible for transport and logistics-related issues.

Finance committee  Yes. I also said at the outset that we heard a lot of grumbling in our network. You spoke with chambers of commerce, as well as businesses who are direct members of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, or FCCQ. I’m thinking specifically of SMEs, or people involved in the SME sector.

Finance committee  You are right. Even on the level of corporate taxation, we often hear this criticism. As you know, corporate tax rates on capital gains are high compared to those of states around us. This proposed measure therefore represents yet another burden on top of everything else. As for cottage owners, as you said, they invest in their own dwelling, sometimes to improve it.

Finance committee  Perhaps I could let my colleague Mr. Rioux respond, since he did quite a bit of digging into the issue.

Finance committee  If I may, Mr. Rioux, I will start. Then, I will let you round out my answer. My colleague, Mr. Rioux, is in charge of our pre-budget brief. We presented it this summer as part of the federal government’s consultations on the expectations we had for the next budget. He also looked into the venture capital issue.