Mr. Speaker, several years ago, the provinces started cutting their programs for health care, social services and education, and we kept sending money to the provinces.
However, because of our present financial situation, we had to make cuts. They did and we are doing the same. Today, everyone has to put his financial house in order, both the federal government and the provinces.
For years, the Leader of the Opposition has been asking us to reduce the federal presence in these sectors. When we do, he says: Pay, but keep quiet. In a democracy, he who pays the piper usually calls the tune.
Since we did what they wanted us to do, he should be satisfied, and stop criticizing.