Mr. Speaker, I have a supplementary question.
Surely the finance minister is not suggesting that this downgrading was done lightly or frivolously. Surely members across the way know that the eyes of investors and borrowers are on the frontbenches of government, looking for signs as they are worried about the government's fiscal situation.
Is not the minister concerned that this downgrading could be the beginning of a trend and what steps is he taking to prevent downgrading of all of Canada's outstanding debt?