Mr. Guimond, you have been a member of the Board of Internal Economy for a long time. The board decided to increase the members' budget without giving them money. This was done through the creation of a fund that allows members to buy furniture or other equipment. Therefore, this is a fund that is centrally administered by the House of Commons, which is not part of the member's budget.
The member still has a budget to buy anything for his riding office, anywhere in Canada. These moneys are available for that. We created this fund in order to allow members to save money, if they wish to do so. But if they do not wish to do so, or if they wish to eliminate a position or reduce an employee's salary, they are free to do so.
Furthermore, it is the responsibility of each of us here to administer the budget. This is another opportunity to save money, if you will. However, if we wish to buy something at a higher or lower price, we may also do so. One is not obliged to buy equipment with money from this fund. The member's budget is available for that.