Mr. Speaker, first of all, we will be true to our fiscal commitments and operate within the established targets.
True, more people than expected indicated that they want to take advantage of the government offers. This simply shows that there will be more spending in the beginning, but we will be able to make up for all that. True, this could amount to almost $2.3 billion, but
at the same time, this will be offset by savings of $4.2 billion. Thereafter, $2.2 billion will be saved each year.
Concerning the public service, I am convinced we shall continue to have a service that reflects the needs of Canadians. Members well know that as a result of the program review we have had to reduce it, but we will continue to have a competent and committed civil service that will respond to the needs of Canadians.