Mr. Speaker, I have a comment on the speech given by the hon. member. She said that she conducted a survey in her riding or had access to a survey that talked about the impact of immediate tax cuts at this time. She indicated that was part of the Reform and Conservative platforms.
In case she is interested, our platform does not state that. If I were to answer that survey I would probably be part of the majority that says "immediate tax cuts at this time are not the proper thing to do". First, we have to create a surplus in the budget. At minimum we must balance the budget before across the board tax cuts. That is what we are recommending.
The only selective tax cut in our fresh start platform is that which pertains to the UIC fund. It has a huge surplus and the minister has room at this point in time-this is after all the prebudget consultation period-to listen to those who suggest that it is a payroll tax that could be reduced because of the surplus.
I want to make sure the member understands our platform. Members opposite continually say that we are in favour of immediate tax cuts. This is the second time today we have been misquoted. A member even said that in a statement today. That view is not accurate. I have already explained our policy on that issue. I hope the member will remember that in her future references to the Reform platform on tax cuts.