Mr. Speaker, when we came to office, there was a $6 billion plus deficit in the unemployment insurance fund. We had to make it up and we did. This year, we have a $5 billion surplus.
According to Human Resources Development Canada's chief actuary, we need a surplus of $10 billion to $15 billion so the fund can sustain another economic downturn or recession. Second, it is clear that if we lower premiums, every five-cent reduction would cost us $350 million, and we would have to find this money somewhere else.
There is a question I sincerely want to ask the hon. member. There are several kinds of payroll taxes, not only employment insurance, but also taxes for health care, training, the CSST. If this is true, I hope the hon. member will also ask the provinces to lower their own payroll taxes.