Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the member who just gave his presentation a question.
Earlier today during statements by members one Liberal member indicated that the Reform's recommendation of $20 billion to $22 billion in cuts over three years is too draconian. The member following the presentation by my colleague from Lethbridge asked whether the severity or size of the cuts that the Reform is suggesting would hurt the economy.
The finance minister of the Liberal government said he is looking for $9.5 billion in cuts over two years. That is an average of $4.5 billion. We are recommending $7 billion a year over three years. The difference is $2.5 billion per year. Ours represents a 1 per cent reduction per year on the rate of the GDP.
I would ask the member if he thinks our cuts are severe. Are we really just debating over $2.5 billion per year? If so, what about the question in reverse. Does he not think $4.5 billion a year is too severe and too draconian from that side of the House?