Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the member for his comments and for the time I was able to spend in working with the member on the industry committee. There was a lot of good work that we were able to put forward through that committee. It was through the interventions of the hon. member that some of that work was possible. I am thankful for that experience.
With respect to the comments that the hon. member has made, we said before and continue to say that certainly the retirement income system of this country is an issue which we are very committed to improving. We know that through the new seniors benefit, when that proposal comes to the House, nine out of ten elderly women will be better off. The hon. member made reference to an elderly lady in his constituency. We know lower income Canadians will be better off through the proposed seniors benefit. Therefore there is commitment by this government to deal with the retirement income system. I am sure that the hon. member will be able to participate in that debate and add very articulately to it.
With respect to small business, there are many members on this side of the House who are certainly very committed to the small business sector and believe that the small business sector is the engine of growth in the Canadian economy. I myself have had the opportunity to work on a number of task forces supporting members of the small business community and ensuring that their voice is heard with respect to ministers responsible for that portfolio.
Regarding higher taxes, there is no question, and the Minister of Finance has said it before, that this government will deal with the burden of taxes for low and middle income Canadians. We have said it before and we will continue to say it. We stand behind that commitment. As I said in my speech, Canadians want a balanced approach. That approach means dealing with the debt, dealing with taxes, dealing with opportunities to invest in the future of Canadians. That is the approach we are going to take.
With respect to letting them suffer, that was a reference to the laissez-faire approach the Reform Party seems to be adhering to.