Mr. Speaker, I am glad to have an opportunity to ask a question of my colleague.
In the beginning of his speech he talked about the economic issues. We have talked a lot about that today. It has to do with whether there is a role for government to intervene, a role for government to work in partnership with the private sector, a role for government to work with regions to ensure we level out the playing field. We must establish if it is appropriate to use federal money, our financial resources, to help areas like Labrador and Newfoundland.
The party opposite is absolutely correct that the private sector must be the primary engine. However, there is a role for government. I believe our government's policies are appropriate and need to be implemented in order to help that area. The hon. member's party's position and what he is suggesting is that we totally withdraw, that we simply leave it on its own even though it is a disadvantaged area.
I defer to the member on another point. I was able to check my notes and the figure I should have used was $15 billion, not $20 billion.