It's always important to see what progress we've made and to remain aware of the important issues. I want to thank you for your speech and your passion.
I think you're in a position where passion makes a difference. As a Canadian, I'm really proud of the progress we've made over the last 10 years, from one government to the other--as Canadians. We've made tremendous progress: the national child benefit, the huge progress on child poverty.... But there's more work to be done; I recognize that. What I'm talking about now in terms of the gender-based analysis is that I think it will inform choices that are made.
I think as well, though, it's important to look at the overall progress that's been made in the economy for the last 10 or 15 years. Why are we preoccupied with the overall investment climate and growth in employment? It's because it has benefited.... More and more Canadians are getting into the workforce. On the GST, there's the fact that we've maintained the GST credit. It's worth $1.1 billion a year.
I know there's more we can do, and I guess it's your role and this committee's role to help identify that, and it's our role to make sure it's administered as effectively as possible. I would just urge you to apply the passion to the cutting edge, but remember that at the broad base, we have made progress—very important progress.
Right now, what we're preoccupied with is safeguarding the overall climate for those who are now engaged in the economy.
Whitby as well is a very interesting case study for you to examine, because again it helps more people be part....
We have a very interesting change in our demographics in this country that's going to create more opportunities over the years ahead, and we want to prepare all Canadians for that process.
Thank you.