House of Commons Hansard #30 of the 35th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was budget.

Topics

Borrowing Authority Act, 1994-95Government Orders

2:30 p.m.

Bloc

Maurice Bernier Bloc Mégantic—Compton—Stanstead, QC

Mr. Speaker, I will try to be as brief as possible to allow the minister time to respond. I put the question to him, since he is the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and this is the area that concerns me at the moment. The minister spoke at length about government efficiency and wondered if the state got too involved. Many people do in fact believe that the state intervenes too much in their lives. Many people also feel that there is too much government.

I would like to hear the minister's views on the role of the federal government in its relations with provincial governments. I am thinking here in particular about the Quebec government and the whole question of overlap. What does he intend to do about this?

Borrowing Authority Act, 1994-95Government Orders

2:30 p.m.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Kilger)

The minister's views, but briefly please.

Borrowing Authority Act, 1994-95Government Orders

2:30 p.m.

Liberal

Marcel Massé Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member of the Opposition has presented me with a challenge in giving me some 30 to 45 seconds to talk about the role of governments and the elimination of overlap.

Consequently, I will only address the policy issues. There is no doubt in my mind that the government or public sector has grown too big in recent years and that it tried to provide too many services, a large number of which could have been provided more efficiently by the private sector. Our three levels of government-federal, provincial and municipal-must act more responsibly in fiscal matters and review all their services to the population so that we can finally offer the same quality of service for much less.

The division of responsibilities among the various levels of government is clearly something we need much more time to discuss, since it is a fundamental issue. However, I fully agree with the hon. member that we should reduce overlap as much as possible, as it is expensive and unnecessary.

Borrowing Authority Act, 1994-95Government Orders

2:30 p.m.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Kilger)

I want to thank the minister and all hon. members present for their co-operation.

I would also take the occasion as we go into a week of recess to wish you all a good week with your families, friends and constituents. We look forward to your speedy return.

It being 2.40 p.m., this House stands adjourned until Monday, March 7, 1994 at 11 a.m pursuant to Standing Orders 24(1) and 28(1).

(The House adjourned at 2.40 p.m.)