Mr. Speaker, the New Democrats are presenting a minority report. We produced a minority report because we do not believe that the report's recommendations present a comprehensive solution to the most important issues that we are facing today and the issues that we heard during the budget hearings. In this unstable economic climate, we need a comprehensive strategy. We did not hear that coming forward.
Budget 2013 needs to be about job creation, getting Canadians back to work now and addressing the persistently high unemployment situation that has persisted since the 2008 recession. We need to address the skills mismatch that our economy is facing and very weak productivity growth.
In our minority report, we are presenting recommendations promoting jobs and skills development in a balanced economy, closing the infrastructure gap with strategic investments, building a sustainable vision for Canada's energy economy and supporting Canadian families.
Most important, we need a commitment to open, transparent and accountable government. Canadians want real consultation and partnership from their government. They deserve better.