Mr. Chair, the first point is that the PBO estimate is not something we agree with. We believe that the best contribution the government can make to securing sustainable long-term growth and job creation is promoting sound and sustainable fiscal finances. We do not believe that balancing the budget and reducing the debt is an end to itself, however; rather, balancing the budget and reducing debt would provide a host of benefits to Canadians for years to come. It would free up tax dollars that would be otherwise spent on debt, keep interest rates low, and many other advantages.
In the House of Commons on May 14th, 2014. See this statement in context.