I agree completely. Thank you.
Mr. Bulkowski, you stated that all parties are seeking to increase government spending. I would point out—as I did yesterday in Vancouver—that the Bloc Québécois has asked the government to reduce the size of the public service by filling only half of the positions left vacant by those entering retirement. This would free up considerable budgetary room, and bring down the debt.
You stated that there is no such thing as a free lunch; that the budget must be balanced; that there should not be a deficit. I agree with you, nothing comes free. You also stated that government expenditures must create wealth. Mr. Kolkman, Ms. Lynch, Ms. Fleming and even Mayor Mandel are all calling for increased investments for municipalities or early childhood development.
Do those types of expenditures create wealth? Must they generate a yield instantaneously, or can they bring in a return over the long term?