Madam Speaker, I know the member finds it hard to accept good news, but the fact is the GDP to debt ratio is on a downward trend. We have already seen some $14 billion repaid on the debt. We have put in place contingency amounts of $3 billion this year, next year and the year after.
These funds will be used for debt reduction. This is part of the debt reduction strategy that I believe is in the interests of Canadians and that is part of a balanced policy. It meets our commitment which says that 50% of any budgetary surpluses will go to social investment and protection of our quality of life and 50% to debt and tax relief. That, of course, is over the course of our mandate.
I am pleased that the member brought this to the attention of the House because the debt repayment strategy and the reduction of the debt to GDP ratio is something that is very important as part of that strategy.