Madam Speaker, I have a comment and a question for the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance. They are both related to the referendum campaign in Quebec. Is it possible that the real federal budget will be tabled in 1996, after the referendum?
The government's budget increased by $3 billion, in spite of cuts of $5 billion to programs. Moreover, the Minister of Human Resources Development intends to cut some $15 billion, over a five-year period, in social programs, a measure which has yet to be approved by this House. Again, the federal cuts in transfers to the provinces will result in higher provincial deficits.
The provinces will have no choice but to transfer their responsibilities to the municipalities without providing them with the necessary financial support. Consequently, ordinary Canadians will once again have to foot the bill.
Whether it is with the left or the right hand, low and middle income taxpayers end up having to pay. In the context of privatization, the federal government eliminated all subsidies to regional airports and ports or harbours. This has a major impact on every region in Quebec, whether the local economy is based on services, tourism or industrial activities.
I have a simple question for the parliamentary secretary. Is he prepared to admit in this House that the real budget will be tabled after the referendum campaign in Quebec?