Mr. Speaker, in many respects, the government's last budget was a big disappointment.
Despite the desperate needs of hospitals, the crowding in emergency rooms, and the unanimity of the provinces, community groups and the public, the federal budget has announced a one-time increase of only $2.5 billion over four years, a one-shot payment that will resolve nothing and that represents only 14% of the real funding called for by the provinces.
The federal government has also dashed the hopes of 58% of unemployed workers, who do not quality for benefits, and of women and young people who are heavily penalized by a system that is too restrictive and that does not reflect reality.
With this budget, Quebecers and Canadians can see that surpluses will remain high and will sit in federal government coffers for the coming years.
The federal government's millennium budget is a missed opportunity to show compassion and caring. This is a fine way to mark the yeqr 2000.