Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the remarks by the member for St. Albert.
The member opposite talked about families. In listening to him I wondered if he had actually read the budget and economic statement that the Minister of Finance delivered last October. If I may, let me summarize it and the member could perhaps check his notes again.
For example, the member talked about a one earner family of four earning, say, $40,000. This year that family will pay about $1,100 less in taxes, a saving of 32%. That will increase to 59% of federal taxes saved by the year 2004. This is a one earner family of four earning $40,000, so I am not sure where the member gets his information.
If I may indulge the House for a moment, a two earner family of four earning $60,000 paid about $5,700 in federal income taxes. This year it will pay $1,000 less or 18% less. By the year 2004 it will pay 34% less.
The member should consult his notes again. I am sure he will retract his statements about the budget and economic statement being biased against the family because the evidence is absolutely to the contrary.