Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to enter into the debate today, after listening to all of the eloquent speeches that have gone before I have had the opportunity to take part in it. By taking part in this debate I am taking part in a process which marks the beginning of a new era.
We were presented with a budget document on February 22 which shows a fundamental change in the attitude toward the future of the country and shows the government means what it says and says what it means. The address was a triumph of reality over rhetoric and it laid out in clear and concise terms the direction the minister and the government wishes to take the country.
As has been said in the last couple of hours that I have been listening, everybody knows the state of our financial affairs. They showed in the October election their belief in us by the majority they gave this party in the House. Now that that issue has been settled for a good many years to come, it is time for a realistic and pragmatic approach to the governance of Canada and a time to turn away from the ruinous economic policies which brought us to the state we are in today.
Canadians told us during last fall's election that the first issue we must address is jobs. The unemployment rate is completely unacceptable. Canadians are a proud, industrious and hard-working people who will not accept a continuing double digit unemployment rate.
The national infrastructure program will create jobs in the short term. The measures announced in the minister's budget will contribute to a more positive environment for businesses to create jobs in the future. The $800 million budgeted for strategic initiatives will test new ways for social programs to help people get back to work and will reduce duplication.
In my own region more emphasis will be placed on training and getting people and communities back to work. In my province of Prince Edward Island, and in my region, one of the greatest problems faced over the past few years has been the uncertainty faced by provincial governments with respect to what they could expect in federal transfer payments.
I know that many people in the House are opposed to the system of transfer payments. Many people believe that they should not happen. However, as one who comes from a part of the country that has been devastated over the last few years with various disasters-the latest in the fishery-transfer payments are a must. Under this budget there will be a period of stability so that provinces can rationally plan for the future.
The sad state of the federal financial scene has significantly contributed to problems being faced by the provinces where, without exception, they too are forced to look at many long term policies and programs with a view to reform.
The Liberal Party has always been at the forefront of reform and this time we are showing that fact has not changed. There have to be changes made to some of our social programs. We know that and we are working on it because they are not working as well as they should be. They are getting older and it is time to change them. In making changes though, the minister has, as always, remembered to protect the weaker and more vulnerable members of our society.
It is no secret that unemployment insurance is an extremely important factor in the economy of my province. The interim changes announced recently are causing a great deal of discussion. I can assure everyone that last week when we were out of the House that the topic was brought to my office and to my house, through phones calls and by personal contact on many occasions.
The changes will better protect low income earners and will strengthen the link between work history and unemployment insurance. They will continue to provide assistance to regions such as mine of high unemployment, but they do foresee the day when we must become less dependent on unemployment insurance and other government programs.
I firmly believe that the residents of my province would gladly forgo the benefits afforded them by UI if there were more opportunities for them to work. Our unemployment rate approaches 20 per cent during some seasons and this is indicative of the challenge facing each of us. It is also facing the minister.
No one thought unemployment insurance would become a guaranteed annual income and very few people thought the unemployment rate would be as high as it is today. Nobody ever thought that. That was never planned for, certainly by the people who are drawing unemployment insurance.
Another major problem in my region has been the total collapse, as I have mentioned, of the groundfishery. Close to 50,000 people are potentially affected by this disaster and new, innovative solutions must be found to the problem. The government must, in consultation with the Atlantic provinces, find a solution based on sustainable development and restoration of the environment. I hope Canadians realize the magnitude of the problem and how vitally important it is that long term solutions be found.
The other issue of great importance in Atlantic Canada has been the closure of some military bases. The adjustment assistance promised will help the affected communities set up redevelopment plans and fund alternative economic activities. The closure of a base is a traumatic event for a community, but it does open a window of opportunity for the community to get involved in economic activity which will grow and develop in the years to come.
As we all know, this was only the first step in the process of rebuilding the economy. There will no doubt be changes in our social programs over the next few years, but they will be changes which will come about as a result of careful and compassionate planning. Those people who most need the facilities and services to be provided will be treated even better in the future than they have been in the past because the government cares and will see that all Canadians regardless of where they reside receive equal services.
The challenges faced by the minister are huge. The economy of Canada and indeed much of the world is going through a very difficult period. News reports this morning said that world-wide unemployment is at its highest rate since the 1930s and it is the most pressing problem facing the G-7 nations.
I feel we are most fortunate to have a Minister of Finance and a government prepared to squarely face the problems and dedicate themselves to finding solutions. As I said at the beginning of my remarks, Canada is entering a new era with the presentation of this budget. It is not an era which will be easy. It is one which will see the country grow and develop and finally reach the full potential for which we have been striving.
No one expects the answers to our problems to be found easily. No one expects to have a free ride. Canadians have always been ready to put their shoulders to the wheel and get the job done. The challenges facing us are many. The first step has been taken. Under the guidance of the Minister of Finance, the other ministers and our leader we will move along very quickly.
I support this borrowing bill. I thank you, Sir, for allowing me these moments to put forward my case.