Mr. Speaker, let me start by saying congratulations to you on your election to the Chair. It is very well deserved, and I know you will keep us in good standing here in the House.
Even if the hon. member for Calgary-Centre and I do not always agree, I think he does deliver his speeches here with a level of class and professionalism that should be the way in which this place operates. I listened to portions of his speech; I will admit I did not hear the entirety. He talked about the importance of balancing budgets. I think that, obviously, perhaps he missed in the Speech from the Throne that the Prime Minister and the government have committed to an operational balance within three years.
I think this is extremely important. I hope the member would agree, but he must also acknowledge and recognize that we do have major expenditures in defence and in the investment in housing and infrastructure. Surely he is not talking about a completely balanced budget and absolutely not investing in the critical infrastructure that is needed in the time for the country.