Mr. Speaker, science and technology was given priority treatment in the budget.
For example, while the budget of the Department of Industry Canada was cut by some 43 per cent, the cuts to the two granting councils which fall within the Industry Canada portfolio, NSERC and SSHRC, are only 14 per cent over the next three years. The cut to the National Research Council is only 15 per cent over the next three years.
Thus the budget is tough but fair. It has given priority treatment to science and technology which is important for our future.