Mr. Speaker, I welcome that comment. This gentleman has identified an issue I want to explain.
I believe that when people are unemployed temporarily or on welfare, it is incumbent upon the people of Canada to look after them during a temporary time in their life and to make those adjustments. What bothers me is when it becomes a way of life. I do not think anybody wants that because it is not very good for the people involved.
I want to address the regional issue. If an area is not doing very well, we have to look at the reason. It is the job of the government to create an environment for business in order for people to invest in the economy and get it going. That has not taken place. For example, if we were to ask small businesses why they are not expanding they would tell us that the high cost of doing business and the high payroll taxes are deterrents. The fact that the
government is spending $10 billion more just on interest this year than it did when I was elected in 1993 tells us something.
Atlantic Canada is a perfect example of why we have to move forward. Prior to Confederation, Atlantic Canada had its main business contacts in the New England states. It was a good relationship, one which was north-south, a natural trading corridor. After Confederation that was changed. More east-west flow was encouraged. High tariffs encouraged more east-west flow of goods and trading. That was detrimental to Atlantic Canada.
Under free trade we now have the opportunity to say to Atlantic Canadians that we will open some doors for them in the future so that they can become real partners in Canada. It is incumbent upon the Government of Canada to remove impediments to trade and allow areas like Atlantic Canada to fulfil their true potential. I believe they have lots of potential.