Madam Speaker, I have listened intently to the debate on the bill before us and quite frankly I am astonished at the opposition party and in particular the Reform Party and the lack of debate that has actually taken place on the bill before us now.
The member for Kootenay—Columbia whines and complains about the time allocation motion. Yet only two members of the Reform Party almost came close to addressing directly the government order of the day, Bill C-65.
For the folks at home, in case they have become confused, we are supposed to be discussing an act to amend the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act or the equalization program.
The member for Kootenay—Columbia says he represents 85,000 constituents to whom at this moment I will apologize on his behalf. I know he has to be completely embarrassed by the fact that he has not addressed the issue we are supposed to be debating in this place.
Did the member for Kootenay—Columbia touch on any of the changes to the equalization program? None. Does any member of the Reform Party really and truly understand the importance of the equalization program? No. Given the level of debate on the floor of this place by members of the Reform Party, what an embarrassment.
For members opposite I will try to explain that a co-ordinated team effort produced this cornerstone of the Canadian federation called the equalization program. Many of my colleagues on this side of the House have articulated the definition of the program, the manner of payment in the program, the basic structure of the program and the positive constructive improvements which will increase the cost of the equalization program.
Reform Party members tell us they need more than the 48 hours being provided to debate the bill. The member for Kelowna said that he would strike out on the details of the equalization program. Did he address the fact that the program includes changes to the ceiling and floor provisions of the equalization program? I heard it on this side of the House. It will protect against unusually large fluctuations in equalization transfers. Was that addressed by members of the Reform Party? No, they did not touch on that.
At the time of the 1998 budget it was projected that equalization in 1998-99 would amount to $8.5 million. The last official estimates released last October showed an increase to $8.8 billion. Did they address that or ask why it has gone up to $8.8 billion? Did they examine the equalization program and its importance to the country? No, they did not.
The member for Kelowna—