Industry committee  Well, maybe. I just want to make something a bit clearer as to the big picture of the Quebec apparel manufacturing scene. Yes, we do have some major players, like Main Knitting, like Peerless, like Mr. Penner; however, the picture of the industry is of smaller, family owned compa

Industry committee  I repeat that it is most important for the textile and apparel industries to work together in Canada. I fully agree on the concept of buying Canadian products. One of our greatest challenges as a manufacturer of ladies undergarments is to find suppliers on the Canadian market. We

Industry committee  I think Bob can answer this question.

Industry committee  Just to let you know, this “Wear? Canada!” thing started thanks to funding from Industry Canada in March. The first level was to use that campaign on the U.S. market during trade shows, and we now have initiatives in which many manufacturers are teamed together under a Canadian u

Industry committee  Thank you, sir. I think you have a very good grasp of what is happening in our industry, and I don't think we should be so afraid of the word “protectionist”. It's become a very bad word. One of the strengths of our industry, of all the manufacturing in Canada, has been to be

Industry committee  I'm sorry, I think Bob would like to address part of the answer, and I have something to tell you about taxes.

Industry committee  I am not an economist, sir, I work in the field. I hope the US Federal Reserve will soon increase its rate and that we will not follow suit. But I am not an economist. I know this hurts us but I cannot say what's affecting the Canadian dollar most. Is it due to the people who are

Industry committee  When it comes to Canada-- [Inaudible]

Industry committee  I am sorry but I will not answer the part of your question relating to textiles. Mr. Penner will. As for apparel manufacturers, those who are left are the ones who found a niche. To me, this is very clear. You're talking about covering fabrics. Mr. Penner will deal with that. In

Industry committee  Do I not get 10 minutes for Quebec and 10 minutes for CAF? I'm sorry, I was under that impression, sir. I apologize.

Industry committee  That is fine. On energy costs, sir, you might not think they are important for us, but energy costs are very important as, in order to get those customers in the U.S., we included freight in our pricing. Our situation is challenging, and our recommendations are as follows. Fir

Industry committee  Yes, sir. It will be integrated.

Industry committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity to address the committee. I am pleased to be here providing our comments concerning issues under consideration by your committee. My name is Eve Grenier. I am president of the Apparel Manufacturers Institute of Quebec and I'm also vic