Mr. Speaker, it has become more than clear about the situation as far as the economy is concerned. It certainly was not as a result of this government's action. The hon. member should not pat himself on the back for something he had nothing to do with.
Employment insurance is a tax cutting into the wages of employees and beating up on employers. How was the deficit reduced? Was it with the austere program this Liberal government put forward? No. It was an increase in the economy that, in spite of what this government has done, allowed more revenues to come into the coffers. That is how the books were balanced.
If the government were truly interested in creating a level playing field for businesses it would attack the more significant problems. It is not willing to do that.
Trade barriers should come down. There should be some tax relief. Where is the tax relief? There is none. The Liberal government has increased payroll taxes through bracket creep by $3,500 for a family of four. That is disgraceful. It is money taken out of their pockets.