Mr. Speaker, hope springs eternal. We on this side of the House believe in a well-financed government. We think Canadians see an important role for government to play, particularly when it comes to enforcing basic rights and freedoms in our country.
The ability of businesses in this country to make money and to protect their intellectual property rights, and the wishes of Canadians as consumers to protect their rights and their health and safety are things that require us as politicians to make the investments.
Unlike people on the other side of the House, who view government expenditures as unnecessary costs, I view them, and I think the NDP views them, as investments in our country. We will continue to urge having a well-financed federal government. The government has gone on quite a cutting splurge, and I think we need to be aware that cuts to these areas are not going to be a way to implement policy.
I cannot say that I am optimistic, given what I have heard about the government's budget intentions. We are seeing cuts across the board, across departments. We are seeing the closure of veterans' offices and coast guard services and cuts in the number of CBSA officers. I think that is regrettable. New Democrats will stand against those cuts that put Canadians at risk.