Mr. Speaker, I welcome the opportunity the question from the hon. member for York-Simcoe gives me to tell the House that the economy is coming along quite well.
Statistics Canada said this week that the economy has improved and that we have had the fastest growth rate in five years. It was 4.5 per cent throughout the year. For the first time in 40 years we are now competitive with the United States on every measure. That is why our exports are driving the economy.
Most important-and all members of the House will appreciate this-finally consumer confidence is growing. With a 7 per cent increase in retail sales I believe every Canadian feels he or she is participating in the renewal.