Thank you.
I would like to ask a question about the spectrum auction, and why the critics underestimated it. Before I do that, I'll just make a quick comment.
The minister highlighted that there are 43 free trade agreements now. Previously, under the decade of darkness of a previous Liberal government, I think there were three. Obviously, it was not a high priority for the government of that day. The NDP, of course, has a track record of not supporting free trade agreements. I think we've seen a tremendous growth in the free trade agreements, because it has been a priority of Canadians to improve trade.
We highlighted the Detroit-Windsor bridge. That highlights the priority of the government for trade, and not just trade into the U.S., our biggest trading partner. I'm from the Vancouver area, and Vancouver is one of the major gateways for trade into Canada and trade with Asia. We've announced the free trade agreement with Korea, and we'll continue with China and Europe.
Trade is growing exponentially under this government. That means lower costs of goods, lower taxes for Canadians, and a bright, bright future if we continue to head in this direction.
One of the major accomplishments that I am so pleased about is the spectrum auction. That means more choice for Canadians. It also means lower prices for Canadians. I know Canadians like that. I am constantly hearing how happy they are with the lowering of prices.
Why was the amount that we would get from the 700 megahertz spectrum auction underestimated? I believe it was $5.27 billion that we got from that. Why was it so underestimated by the critics?