Mr. Speaker, the hon. member makes the point that the government is still struggling to try to create a climate to foster employment. There is no doubt about that. It is not a problem that is peculiar to Canada.
However, the hon. gentleman should admit that the government has come a long way in establishing the fundamentals that are required for the private sector to get into the business of job creation.
Interest rates are at very low levels and comparable to those in the United States. We have inflation at 2 per cent or less. Unemployment is below 10 per cent.
I agree with the hon. gentleman. One way to correct one of the problems for which I am responsible, which is to take care of the unemployed, is to create jobs. Surely all of us can agree that the fundamentals are in place and that the private sector-I believe that the challenge the Prime Minister put to it is an appropriate one-are now in a position to get on with the business that business does best, creating jobs.