Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear about the national food program, which the member was critical of by saying Canadians used to be able to afford to feed their children. It is a bit misleading, and let me explain why.
Back in 1988, I was first elected to the Manitoba legislature. The leader of the Liberal Party at that time was a wonderful lady by the name of Sharon Carstairs. Sharon Carstairs often talked about children who were going to school in Manitoba on empty stomachs and said that we needed to ensure they were being fed in schools.
It gives a false impression to say that this program is something that is only necessary today because of the issue of affordability. This is not necessarily true. It has been necessary for a long time. The Prime Minister has recognized that, and that is why we made the program permanent.