Anything like that is always a concern. The manufacturing practices in the U.S. are the most sophisticated in the world. Internationally, it has had some impact. Sales go down temporarily, and then they come back.

Today we make a resounding Declaration of our Independence. And franchise expansion within the Church's family will serve to invigorate and strengthen our continued growth.

If you don't do well where you are, what are you doing?

Of greatest concern to me is the relationship of the manufacturing sector to the Asian market and the need to bring stability to that area,

In Ontario, job losses in manufacturing have accelerated in recent months alongside announced layoffs in the key auto sector. However, Ontario's economy is well diversified and strength in the service sector, which accounts for more than 70% of overall employment and economic activity, should support vehicle sales of about 590,000 units in 2006 - in line with the average of the past two years.

This would be an indication that activity is increasing at more than half the manufacturing firms in the survey, and another sign of growth.