Madam Speaker, I heard the hon. member emphasize investments in science and technology and post-secondary education.
However, we in the NDP feel that even in the area of post-secondary education, this is a budget that fails to help Canada move forward. One way it fails is by not really helping post-secondary students across the board.
When we talk about investments in research councils and investments in research, these are important factors, but we cannot forget that it is students who are going into these programs and it is students whom we need to be supporting.
Unfortunately, the government has not shown leadership in this area. Across the country tuition fees are rising at historic rates and student loans are beyond the $13 billion mark. Students are facing financial challenges at a time when there are no jobs.
While it is important to invest in research, would the member not agree that the really important part is to help students at the bottom level to ensure they will have a better future?