Mr. Speaker, I will try to be brief. The point I want to make to the hon. member from western Canada is that we are not only separated by distance: We also have diverging views on economic development.
Economic development in the east means something specific, whether it is in Quebec or in the Maritimes-I do not want to speak for the Liberals, they are quite capable of digging a hole for themselves. It is a development tool to help people; for example, instead of providing transfer payments and social assistance, you give people tools to look after themselves.
In this respect, I wish the hon. member would be careful when addressing easterners.