Madam Speaker, to make more time for my colleagues I would just like to ask a quick question. I know the hon. member who talked about the debt realizes that this big debt is a dark cloud hanging over this country, holding down unemployment and keeping taxes up high. This huge debt has put us in a desperate situation.
I remember back in early 1990 when the member's government was in control it brought in the famous GST. There was a big debate nationwide on that and I think about 90% of the people did not want it, I suggest, based on petitions and all that. One of the members who used to be in this party now sits across the House because of that situation.
I remember distinctly, loudly and clearly, a person by the name of Michael Wilson saying—being an old Conservative I was very interested in what he had to say—every penny from the GST will go to tear down the debt.
All I have to ask this member is what in the world happened? It went up faster and greater than ever.