Mr. Speaker, I think today's debate is most important since we are addressing the issue of the other place.
Today's economic environment does not allow us to take for granted the amounts allocated to the Upper House, especially since we in the Bloc Quebecois have been defending, since the beginning of the session the entitlements of the most disadvantaged in our society. Given the difficult situation now faced by the people, that is, the insecurity and unemployment-there is 14 per cent unemployment in my riding-how can one support allocating money to the Senate, when all sectors are facing cutbacks? How can one justify the money spent on the other place with its 104 members?
If I may, Mr. Speaker, I would like to give a few examples. Last year, the Senate paid a total of $125,000 for a new hall with mahogany and granite panels.