Mr. Speaker, the good news based on that question is the Liberals see the NDP as a threat. Perhaps they have moved from listening to the Alliance and adopting its misplaced priorities holus-bolus to gradually accepting some of the concerns raised by New Democrats.
The bad news is that the member has tried to disregard the clear call from many Canadians for responsible action from the government on a number of very important areas that are suffering because of Liberal cutbacks, going back to their former minister of finance's massive gouging and cutting of the social fabric of the country. He ought to realize more than anyone how important it is to begin a social investment in the country. He should realize how important it is to build communities and to offer real support to families.
When first nations say that this budget does nothing to deal with the third world conditions on their reserves and barely makes a dent in the serious problems at hand, he ought to listen. When mayors of every large city ask where is the long awaited money they desperately need to rebuild their cities, renew their communities and build hope for the future, he ought to listen.
Child care advocates say that this is some kind of joke when there is talk of creating 3,000 day care spaces for the entire country yet they were promised back in 1993. The Liberal government has not made children and families a priority. Government members should stand and say the contribution that working people make in the country ought to be recognized.
The government ought to realize that by investing now in such basics as child care and in such fundamental issues as adequate housing it will save in the future. The government could say that for every dollar invested in a day care space, $2 or $3 will be reaped back because it was there at the nurturing stages of children. The government could say that for every dollar put in terms of high risk needs and special needs children in our society, $7 is reaped back because it was there at the early stages thus ensuring people could make a contribution based on their talents. That has to be understood by the member and all members of the Liberal Party.
Canadians want to see the government address their priorities on a sound, planned basis with the resources necessary to meet the task at hand.