Mr. Speaker, of course there is always a great response from Reform MPs when they are being unfairly represented by members on the other side of the House.
The hon. member for Kingston and the Islands talked a bit about discussing with his constituents the Reform position on social programs and on reducing the deficit. It is true that Reform has consulted extensively with Canadians. In fact while the hon. member was part of a party that was involved in rat packing and some very unproductive activities, Reformers were consulting.
I might add our leader led the way in consulting with Canadians and hearing the views of everyone, not gagging anyone I might add, but being very considerate of all opinions expressed by Canadians. Reformers found a consensus that they took to the electorate last year. That consensus was that spending needed to be reduced to save social programs that were most needed by the Canadian public.
The hon. member for Kingston and the Islands and his party did not undertake that consultation. We did not see that proposal in the red book. They did not have a plan. They still do not have a plan. They cannot even put out an action plan. They have a discussion paper.
How does the hon. member have the audacity and the nerve to make these allegations in the House when in fact there is no political party in Canada that has consulted more with Canadians and knows more about the wishes of Canadians on the deficit and on the reform of social programs than the Reform Party of Canada?