Mr. Speaker, Canadians have been telling us time and time again that maintaining our health care system is by far their first priority. In a recent survey close to 80 per cent of Canadians said that they preferred to maintain a good health care system even if it means fewer tax cuts.
Also, medicare provides competitive advantages to companies operating in Canada. These advantages include lower employee benefit costs-I would like the Reform to please listen to the House-a mobile workforce that can respond to where the jobs are, the elimination of health care as a major source of labour-management disputes and work stoppages and a health work force.
Our health system is the envy of the entire world. It must be maintained at all cost. This member and this government will not make cuts in the style of Mike Harris and then cut taxes for the well to do. I would willingly give back the $600 that Mr. Harris would have me save in order to insure the health of my parents, children and grandchildren.
This member and this government will not compromise with the health and welfare-