Madam Speaker, the hon. member is absolutely right. People are in no doubt that the federal government is overtaxing them, considering its responsibilities.
From 1994-95 to 2002-03, the federal government's revenues increased by 45%, while operating expenditures increased by 39%. Meanwhile, in Quebec and Ontario, operating expenditures increased by about 20%, even though it is the provinces that are responsible for health, education and other pressing needs and priorities.
Where did that money go? It was used to expand bureaucracy, buy capital assets, replace computers time and again, and so on.
It is not only about surpluses. A $50 billion surplus has been generated since 1997-98 and has been used to reduce the debt, without a debate when there should have been one. Based on our estimates, at least $13 billion too much was spent on bureaucracy. Then there are the foundations. Seven billion dollars is lying dormant in foundations and this Parliament no longer has any say about it. This is totally undemocratic.
The federal government has money. It has enough money to reduce taxes, particularly for families—and this should be a priority—and to transfer either the taxation fields or the money directly to the provinces, and to Quebec in particular, so that we can fulfill our responsibilities in health and education.
There is no financial or political obstacle other than the government's bad faith.