Mr. Speaker, one thing must be said. When a country is going through hard economic times, people are of course entitled to ask their government to examine its priorities.
Where must we place our priorities? Programs are examined and analyzed. What has to be kept is kept, and what is less important is cut.
This same exercise has been carried out in all provinces of Canada, as well as at the federal level. A result has been arrived at. Yes, of course, the present economic progress and wealth is the result of sacrifices by the entire population.
One thing must be said: we have put an end to 28 years of deficit. Here in this country we have had non deficit budgets for four years now. This one is the fourth, or the fifth. I find that a decision has been made, action taken, by a government—