Madam Speaker, I listened carefully to the hon. member's speech and I was particularly interested in the whole issue of employment equity for women because I have two daughters who will be in the work force in a few years and, after the question period we just had, I was wondering what message we were sending to young people growing up when we say that the fight against the deficit is preventing us from correcting pay inequities.
A moment ago, the deficit was given as a reason for not acting and not correcting an unacceptable situation. Fifteen years ago, other reasons were given and in ten years, still other reasons will be given if we do not correct the situation immediately. So for the sake of young women now in the education system who will be on the labour market in the 21st century, could you not tell us publicly that your government's present position should be changed and corrected to put equity ahead of the deficit?