Of course, I'm very apprehensive about the outcome of this exercise. I've been in the role of shadow minister of the Treasury Board now for close to four years, and I have had a series of ministers attempt to implement similar programs with very limited success.
For example, in 2023, Minister Anand announced the ill-hearted target of achieving $15 billion in savings. We've seen, through the public accounts and estimates, that these savings were largely not achieved. Then, the 2024-25 public accounts indicated that expenditures were up for every ministry except four, so the savings have not materialized, as far as I or Canadians can see, from previous saving attempts. I'm very concerned that the CER will have the same outcome.
I have, of course, as an elected representative, and throughout my time at government operations.... I know my fellow former colleagues on this committee share my belief that it is, fundamentally, elected representatives who are put in the position of ministerial responsibility and who ultimately carry the burden of this. Of course, you, as their hands, are expected to implement this and see their success, but I hold them responsible.
Two weeks ago, the main estimates for 2026-27 were released. I looked at these numbers very closely, and I have a lot of concerns. The government is asking for a total of $502.8 billion in spending approvals. Mr. Matthews, you said that if the money is not there, they will not be allowed to spend it, but a lot of money will still be there, as this is an increase of over $15 billion from the previous main estimates.
Additionally, these estimates indicate that, despite the promise in the budget, through the CER, to reduce spending, 64 departments and agencies are requesting more money than they did last year. We continue to go in the wrong direction with this Trudeau-Carney government.
Last summer, ministers were instructed to find ambitious savings. Why has this been ignored in the government's spending plan, according to you, in this fiscal year?