Madam Chair, not all Canadians sacrificed. During that period of time the federal government continued to spend about $15 billion a year on grants and contributions. The big recipients were big companies. Corporate welfare continued to flow unbelievably during that period of time. I do not accept what the minister says. I think the government could have cut in a lot of other places. I also dispute that the provinces consented to this. They certainly did not.
In the House of Commons on May 13th, 2003. See this statement in context.