Mr. Speaker, in the recent past the Conservative leader claimed his caucus would consult Canadians on whether or not to force an early election. Before they had a chance to report to him, the Globe and Mail reported that the Leader of the Opposition said, “It would be very difficult to get the budget passed before the introduction of the non-confidence motion”. It sounds as though he had already decided what he would do long before the sham consultation began.
Then this week with his own MPs expressing grave concerns about forcing Canadians to the polls before Parliament passes the budget, the Leader of the Opposition brushed away their concerns and declared the caucus unanimous. Their leader is not only ignoring the views of Canadians, he is muzzling those of his caucus as well.
Budget 2005 commits considerable new funding for national defence, the environment and health care, as well as for children and seniors. On this side of the House we are focused on making Parliament work and getting things done for Canadians by passing the budget. This is the right thing to do.