Good morning.
I've noticed that research and development issues are the particular focus today. I've learned that Bell Canada wants the cost of material for a long-term use, meaning first for testing purposes, then for commercialization, be recognized. I also learned that the universities want to be able to use R&D tax credits for other purposes, like student funding.
I'm making a generalization. Any outlay on research and development is an outlay for future economic growth. This was the general idea underlying the creation of this program, and it remains just as relevant. Canada has fallen behind in research and development, which is currently costing us jobs in the manufacturing industry.
As for the university sector, Mr. Léo-Paul Lauzon, a professor in taxation, showed that credits given for education savings plans in no way lead to an increase in access to the university sector. However, these $2.5 billion are not a tax shelter. If you really want the money, there is $2.5 billion currently being thrown out the window. It's a clear, clean, obvious and mathematical demonstration. It does not lead to an increase in the number of students.
I'll make a general statement about agriculture. When I was born, there were three billion people on the earth. Now there are six, and when I die, there will probably be 11. The oceans have been exhausted. There's been a desertification. We're going to have to face famines caused by the total lack of food, probably in our lifetime. I think I reflect the opinion of all committee members when I say that we will be fairly favourable to any request for support from the agriculture sector to handle these brewing global challenges.
Now I have a general question for the representative of the Union des consommateurs. You spoke to us about tax inequities. Could you expand on the solutions that you are advocating to counter not only the tax inequities between businesses and individuals, but also those between the individuals themselves?
I'll give you the rest of my time.