Mr. Speaker, the heritage minister's defence of her free flag program giveaway is total garbage.
We are proud that Reform staff are trained to help constituents, which does not change the fact that her program sucks wind. This program has been flim-flam from the word go. Her officials originally said that it was going to be $6 million. Now it is $23 million and climbing.
The minister told Canadians that her flags were free, yet on the document that comes with the flags she says that you will receive a tax receipt for donations of $10 or more.
Why does she refuse to give any spending details to this House? It is $23 million and climbing. Precisely how many dollars have been collected?