Madam Speaker, let me point out that I am about six foot two and so far I am still standing on both hands, as is the finance minister. I do not think he is six foot two but nevertheless he is walking around quite nicely, thanks very much.
The finance minister said that in the event that this unplanned surplus legislation were to go forward, these would be the basic principles on which it would go forward.
First, there would be a significant paydown on debt. In this particular case there is at least $2 billion each year of the agreement.
Second, we would not go into deficit under any circumstances.
Third, we would continue to balance the budget and move forward on that basis.
In the event that those principles are met, then the finance minister was quite prepared to build upon the initiatives that were in previous budgets.
I put it to the hon. members opposite, which part of these four initiatives is the government not in? Is the government not in foreign aid? Already there. Is the government not in affordable housing? Already there. Is the government not into environmental issues? Already there. Is the government not into post-secondary education? Already there.
Billions and billions of dollars are already being spent. Bill C-48 falls well within the four principles that the finance minister put forward.