Mr. Speaker, constituents from my riding of Bramalea--Gore--Malton--Springdale have expressed concerns to me with regard to health care. They want a universally accessible, publicly funded health care system that is there when they need it, not when they can afford it.
I am pleased that our government has listened. With the health accord signed by the premiers and the Prime Minister earlier this month and the important investments announced in Tuesday's budget, we have committed in cash alone $34.8 billion over five years to support health care and health care reform. This is in addition to the equalization program and tax point transfers.
The result from these investments in health care will ensure that our system is more responsive, more available and remains more accessible to those who need it, when they need it for generations to come.