Mr. Speaker, it has been a pleasure working with my hon. colleague in terms of both the pre-budget consultations and the finance committee.
What we perhaps need to recognize is that all the programs and opportunities that I have just talked about are in the budget. These are in phase two of the economic action plan. It is hardly an austerity program when we maintain increased health care spending to the provinces. It is hardly an austerity program when we maintain our transfers for social services and education.
Like everyone, we want the employment numbers to improve. The best way for employment numbers to improve is for businesses to have confidence and be competitive in a worldwide environment where they are going to want to spend their hard-earned money. The finance committee this morning heard about the importance of having a really competitive tax environment for businesses to invest in.