Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.
This government made a commitment to spend wisely and according to the priorities of Canadians. This also speaks to our commitment to ensure openness and transparency.
In February 2008, our government announced the implementation of spending controls. I am pleased to inform the House that the value of public opinion research contracts awarded in 2007-08 was $6.6 million lower than the preceding year, a 21% reduction.
Once again, we are keeping our promise to manage public funds responsibly.