Mr. Speaker, in speaking against the motion I note that the federal government has accomplished what many said could not be done. The federal government has transformed the economic, political and social reality and environment over the past four years.
The federal government with astonishing speed has taken the country from a $42 billion deficit in 1993 to a zero deficit in the next fiscal year. Something considered undoable has been done. Canadians understand and know that sacrifices had to be made to get our fiscal house in proper balance. Canadians were prepared for some pain to ensure long term viability and gain for future generations, and this has happened.
The strong economic foundation which has been laid and expanded upon is now paying off for Canadians. Canadians are seeing real economy advances not seen since the boom years of the 1950s and the 1960s. With this strong foundation comes a confidence needed by people to propel the economy into the 21st century. It is confidence built on hope and expectation. It is confidence built on solid performance and optimism.
Canadians have waited a long time. While we can and will continue to work hard to ensure prosperity for all sectors of the economy, especially for people who might otherwise be left behind, we have seen remarkable achievements over the past four years.
Let us consider the evidence. Interest rates are at their lowest in historic terms. Housing starts and resales have rebounded. Consumer goods enjoy strong sales throughout the land. Inflation remains low. Business investments are surging. Jobs are being created at an accelerating pace and growth as measured in gross domestic product is outstanding even by international standards. People are starting to feel good about the economy and what is happening in Canada.
The negative psychology of even a few years ago is dissipating. In short, our economy is in remarkable shape. That is why the international consulting firm of KPMG, which did a comparative study of the costs of doing business in Canada, the United States and Europe, found that Canada is on top. This means that Canada is not only the best place in the world to live, as the United Nations has so designated for a number of years, but Canada is one of the best places in the world in which to invest.
Canada is poised on the cusp of a prolonged economic expansion, all of which spells good news for the country and good news for Canadians. This enables the federal government as both a facilitator and provider to focus on what Canadians want and what they need.
The debate should go beyond what has been noted as a fiscal dividend formula, that being 50% for programs and the other 50% for debt reduction and tax reduction. The debate should be about national priorities. It should be about the vision for Canada in the next millennium. It should be about how best to build a strong, lasting economy and in the process a strong society which offers both opportunity and security. The debate must be about ensuring the quality and quantity of growth needed to contribute to the quality of life which Canadians deserve and rightfully expect.
Now more than ever Canadians expect the federal government to preserve, to enhance, to protect and to improve upon the valued programs which have made us the envy of the world.
Canadians care about a quality health care with a standard of health care second to none.
Canadians care about a good education system with lifelong learning, training and retraining opportunities.
Canadians care about an infrastructure which enables Canada to remain competitive both internally and internationally.
Canadians care about creating an environment which will enable Canada to remain highly productive and make Canada a leader in the global knowledge based economy.
Canadians care about ensuring that our young are well taken care of because they represent our investment in the future. We need to ensure they will have the best opportunities available.
Canada has such a huge potential, such a great future.
Canada is now poised to cash in on an unparalleled future, the likes of which we have not seen in a long time. Canadians with the help of the federal government will rise to this occasion and focus on the well-being of citizens able to get the job done.
Making good use of taxpayers' dollars, we will march confidently into the 21st century. Arm in arm we will move forward together. We will do so, not by leaving some behind but by all marching together forward into the new millennium.