Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question because I actually did not get a chance to go into other areas. I am glad he raised this aspect of the federal budget.
I think he will know that the New Democratic Party has been a political party that has always stood strong and firm on being part of the international community that meets its obligations in the international community. While I do not have the figures in front of me, it is very disappointing that over a number of years Canada has slipped in its commitment to overseas development aid.
Look at the global situation now with the bombing in Afghanistan. Clearly our party has unequivocally been opposed to that war. We have said that it is critical that aid be increased for Afghanistan, but also for other countries.
This again really gets to the issue of security. Security is not just about military forces and people dealing with conflict. Security is dealing with the conditions that create hopelessness, despair and poverty. Canada has had a good track record but that track record is now being tarnished.
In reply to the hon. member, I believe there are members on the other side of the House who have strong support for international development and overseas development aid. We in the New Democratic Party feel strongly about that too and believe that it should be an area that Canada strengthens as part of a progressive commitment to the international community.