Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question. As the House knows, we are committed to delivering our aid programs in the most effective and cost efficient manner.
I would like to explain to the House that over the last two years CIDA's operating expenses have reduced from 10.1% to 8.3%. In fact, its operating budget has declined in absolute terms despite a significant increase in its budget.
Let me remind the House that the government has increased our budget by 8% and has committed to doubling it by 2010. Therefore, our budget is rising and our costs are going down. It is a success story.