International Trade committee  That's a very good question, and I thank you for it. It's a complicated matter when it comes to mitigating this uncertainty for firms, and it probably varies by industry as well. The best way at the moment is that, in the short term, we see all levels of government looking at how they can provide support through the short term to reduce that uncertainty.

International Trade committee  Yes.

International Trade committee  It's very important. We talk about breaking down barriers here domestically and reducing red tape. At any level of government, it's important to business. Harmonization, too, whether it's in internal trade across the country...and it's great to see the progress being made there.

International Trade committee  Thank you so much.

International Trade committee  There are definitely some areas of real promise and some sectors that are doing quite well. Think of Mississauga's technology sector right now, employing 44,000 individuals and approaching 1,000 companies, both large and small, across the board. In many cases, they're less affected when they're on the software and service side.

International Trade committee  Thank you very much, Chair Sgro. Thank you to all committee members for the opportunity to address this very important standing committee of Parliament, especially at this critical moment for our economy and the business community. I’d also like to give a quick shout-out to the member for Mississauga South, MP Peter Fonseca.

Industry committee  Absolutely, they have been using those programs. That's not to say they haven't still accumulated debt with regard to the Canada business account loans and other things like that.

Industry committee  You too. Thank you so much.

Industry committee  Sure.

Industry committee  Certainly I think the extension of the payback period was welcome, but I think the government should look at—and perhaps you could look at—those highly affected sectors, particularly in terms of how to alleviate some of that sitting debt for these companies that were hardest hit.

Industry committee  I think they play a significant role. In particular, a lot of their role goes beyond the straight-up financing of companies. They play a significant educational role, and I think the government should look at other ways to partner with these institutions to provide them with additional knowledge and tools to help them manage their current financial situation.

Industry committee  I'm familiar with it, but I'm not an expert in it.

Industry committee  Yes. I think it's fabulous. I think it's necessary. We are partnered through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on the digital adoption program. I would encourage more of this. I think it's also important from the standpoint of cybersecurity. Increasingly, this is going to be an area that SMEs need to invest in.

Industry committee  No.

Industry committee  The excise tax is a great example that you're providing. Certainly our member, Arterra Wines, has been a very vocal proponent of not moving to increase that tax. Yes, that is what I'm referring to. Any new taxes and regulations that are introduced that put additional costs on small businesses, which are already dealing with substantial amounts of accumulated debt, directly affect their ability to compete and survive.