I think if you look at the legislation establishing BDIC you would see that they are an independent board. There is no opportunity for political interference with approval of loans and the only avenue is for me to provide general direction to the board, and that is according to the legislation.

With regard to the SEED program, which is Support for Entrepreneurs in Economic Development policy, in the consultation we were, with committee it was very clear that the focus should be on what we call

level two communities. I’m pleased to report that since its inception, the SEED program has been oversubscribed. Last year we gave out $2.9 million. This year we will be giving out $3.3 million. To date we’ve allocated approximately $2.9 million. I think the SEED program is working very well for what it’s intended. The money is going out to the smaller communities and it’s allowing the people at the small community level to get involved with business.