We have risen to the challenge so well that you can hear the other side howl and scream, precisely because we are doing such a good job that it hurts them.
It hurts them because Canadians are starting to see the positive results of our policies. It hurts them because the federal government is implementing a true decentralization which the public understands and accepts.
It hurts them because, when they see the government administration make these adjustments, they realize that it is the end of their dream. Once again, we are showing that federalism is not static: it has always been in constant evolution and it will continue to change.
I want to take this opportunity to discuss regional development. Canada is a very large country and we often see disparities within a given region. A responsible federal government must keep control over regional development.
However, the whole regional development policy must also be reviewed, just as we have already reviewed the government machine. Some members opposite say: "Use the simple approach. We have problems with the debt and the deficit, so just make cuts in regional development".
Their policy is irresponsible. I have heard members opposite say: Withdraw from the area of regional development. This is yet another policy that, in addition to being unrealistic, fundamentally goes against the opinion and the will of the people.