Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the Minister of International Cooperation that it represents a commitment made to the international community. I would also like to remind her that, in its 2006 election platform, the government indicated that it would substantially increase Canadian aid, even up to the OECD average. There are no signs in the last budget that these commitments will be honoured. A promise is a promise.
The needs are great and expectations high. Why is it so difficult for the minister to provide effective aid and at the same time honour commitments made?