Mr. Speaker, I remind the member that he is talking about a $13 billion surplus left over from the great work of the previous Liberal government. He is also talking about a good economy and a strong country.
In 1993, when the Liberals replaced the previous Conservative government, they inherited a $42 billion deficit. It took an immense amount of time and work on behalf of Canadians and our government to regain the proper resources it needed to reap the benefit.
How does the member justify the recent cuts? The government has taken $17 million out of the adult literacy program. This program has tried to help people who clearly want a hand up, not a handout. These people want to improve their life and contribute to the productivity of Canada.
The government cut the Status of Women program and the court challenges program. These programs helped people to move voices and various agendas forward.
How does the member justify those kinds of cuts when the government has a $13.2 billion surplus?