Mr. Chair, the government is increasing spending. We understand that.
Much has been said about the $38 billion in new operating expenditures in the main estimates, which are up by 8.4%. However, when we take a closer look, it is even worse. Major transfers to individuals, such as old age security, or to the provinces, such as health transfers, are statutory appropriations that have not been voted on. Statutory appropriations are only increasing by 2.6%, which seems very reasonable, but it is not enough.
The main estimates that we will be voting on next Tuesday are what keep the federal bureaucracy running, and those are the amounts that are skyrocketing. They are increasing by $31 billion, a 16% increase. That is eight times more than what the Liberal Party promised during the election, when it promised to cap the increase at 2%.
Why?