Mr. Speaker, in the budget speech, the Canadian government announced its intention to invest $2.5 billion, over a four year period, through the Canada health and social transfer.
I wish to point out that this is the fourth consecutive increase under that program. Our government is receptive to the requests and needs of Canadians.
The government also announced that the Canada child tax benefit will get an additional $2.5 billion by the year 2004.
Finally, under budget 2000, the amount of maternity and parental benefits paid under the employment insurance program will double, since these benefits will paid for 12 months, instead of six. The criteria will also be more flexible and more people will have access to these benefits.
These are concrete initiatives that will allow us to help Canadian families and improve their quality of life.