Madam Chair, I appreciate many of the words the Minister of Finance has put on the record this evening.
I want to pick up on a couple of points. As a government and as the Minister of Finance, we have seen action on two fronts. One is in terms of building Canada strong, a Canada that is there for all Canadians, and there are many examples, some of which the Minister of Finance has referenced. The other issue is, of course, taking a look at the issue of affordability. We all know that affordability is a very important issue for Canadians. Again, what we have seen through the Department of Finance is some very specific action to support Canadians on the issue of affordability. I would like to expand very quickly on those two points.
When I think of the affordability issue, I think of the groceries and essentials benefit. It is an excellent example. In the month of June, there is going to be substantial payments going to, I believe, somewhere around 11 million Canadians. I think that will help on the affordability issue. Also, there has been a great deal of discussion, and the government has come forward on the excise tax on gasoline with what is about a 10¢-a-litre break for Canadians. The minister made reference to the summer months. We are going to see a lot of Canadians staying in Canada, touring and taking a look at the different regions of the country by vehicle. The 10¢ reduction is very helpful on the issue of affordability.
As we provide affordability programs, and I should have also mentioned the national school nutritional program for 400,000 children, at the same time we are investing in building a stronger Canada by looking at the national sovereign wealth fund, which is something the minister has made reference to. It is a fund that is going to assist with billions of dollars of investment and growth.
I am wondering if the minister can provide his perspective in terms of supporting Canadians on the affordability file alongside building that stronger Canada.