Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the Reform Party's record in regional development.
When Reformers visit Atlantic Canada they say they will eliminate subsidies to stimulate business. However, what does the Liberal Party record say? The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency invests in business. The government has eliminated grants and every $1 we invest in the economy has a $4 effect.
When Reformers visit Atlantic Canada they say they want to get away from Ottawa-directed approaches. However, regional development in Atlantic Canada is just that, regional and local. ACOA's 94 per cent success rate proves it is working.
If the member for Fraser Valley West is an example, maybe Reformers do not really mean what they say when they visit Atlantic Canada, but Canadians cannot take that chance.
Reform has proven that it does not understand Atlantic Canada, but the government is proving that regional development works.