I'm actually just going to make a comment, and then I'm going to share my time with Mr. Lake. I just wanted to make a comment to the child care advocate, Ms. Lysack.
You talked about cuts to child care, so I would like to set the record straight. Our Conservative government is spending more money on child care than any other government in Canadian history. That is because we are representing 90% of the parents who would prefer to care for their children or have a family member care for their children.
In the 2007-08 budget, we've spent $5.6 billion in support of early learning and child care, through transfers, direct spending, and tax measures: $1.1 billion in cash transfers to territories and provinces; $2.4 billion annually through the universal child care benefit; and $695 million in recognition of child care expenses through child care expense deductions. Budget 2007 also provides $1.5 billion per year in tax support for families with children, through the new child tax credit.
I would like to tell the advocate that I think it is not about the money we're spending, but perhaps about your advocacy group. Most parents are very happy with our plan. Of the parents who were polled in Today's Parent, only 17% are really looking for the child care option that you're offering.
I will now share my time with Mr. Lake.