Mr. Speaker, I listened to the hon. member's speech. I must say that some parts surprised me; however, I can see that other members want to ask questions so I will be very brief.
In his speech, the hon. member opposite said that he was glad that some premium money was retained, that everything was not redistributed. He talked a lot about the fact that the government balanced its books, but when it comes to the employment insurance fund he is glad that it is not balanced, that there is more money coming in than going out. He said he was pleased about that and hoped that there would be enough money in the fund to face the next recession.
I would like to ask the hon. member whether he knows that the Minister of Finance has already used the surplus to pay down the deficit, and that, therefore, his dream of being prepared for the next recession is not likely to come true? If this is what he wants, is he ready to side with the Bloc Quebecois and vote in favour of the private members' bills we have introduced to establish an employment insurance fund that would not be part of general revenue?