Agriculture  Since the level of farm support in Canada is now among the lowest in the world, except for Australia and New Zealand, can the minister at least approve the dairy producers' request to postpone the next reduction in dairy subsidies from August 1, 1997 until February 1, 1998, as this would give them another six months to adjust to the austerity measures taken by the Liberal government?

Social Assistance For Failed Refugee Claimants  I understand the hon. member's concerns regarding the strains our social assistance programs are under. In this time of fiscal austerity and deficit reduction it is important to find ways to maintain the institutions which are truly important to our society. In many respects our social welfare system shows that Canadians care about offering a helping hand to those in need.

Supply  That is to remind hon. members of the important steps, the targeted steps our government has taken to advance the well-being of children, especially those of families in need. In fact, despite the austerity we are forced to come to terms with, the federal government continues to provide significant support, through the child tax benefit, to low and middle income families with children.

Nuclear Safety And Control Act  It has received, since its inception, over $5 billion of direct payments. Even now, in times of austerity, we will find an item in the budget of the Department of Natural Resources for a direct grant which exceeds $100 million, maybe in the range of $142 million or $145 million. Last year it was twice as much.

Criminal Code  Every time an accused decides to do without the services of a lawyer, his victims run the risk of being once again confronted with their aggressor, this time in public. Moreover, the legal system is also affected by austerity measures. Among others things, eligibility criteria for legal aid are becoming more stringent. This means that an increasing number of people are not eligible for legal aid, since their income is deemed too high.

The Budget  In any case, after two years when they had to really tighten their belts, Canadians were ready for a third austerity budget on the part of the Liberal government. The latter knew that for a fact and did nothing to dissipate that impression. In fact, it rather encouraged it, knowing full well that the people would better accept its budget if they really felt they were spared.

Unemployment Insurance Reform  Workers and employers pay over $18 billion annually for insurance, in case of a period of unemployment. In the current austerity context, it is unacceptable for the federal government to directly take money from that fund to make its books look good, while systematically dismantling the program. The Bloc Quebecois is opposed to that.

International Women's Day  Today more than ever before, it is important to keep a watchful eye on the gains made by women in recent years, as their socioeconomic situation makes them more vulnerable to the impact of cuts being made left and right in these times of fiscal austerity. More than 58 per cent of single mother families live under the poverty line. Women who work full time earn on average less than 70 per cent of what their male counterparts make. The federal government recently abandoned its child care plan and announced in the last budget that seniors' pension benefits would be calculated on the basis of family income.

The Budget  This is what La Presse is saying. The Ottawa Citizen said: The budget is a compromise between relief and austerity''. The Winnipeg <em>Free Press</em> said:Budget Boosts Buck'' and Blueprint Encourages Economists''. <em>La Presse</em> :$480 million for young people''. The Financial Post said: Old and young to reap rewards from continued program spending cuts''.

Bank Act  Not only, then, is there encroachment on an area of jurisdiction that belongs exclusively to Quebec, but they have also taken the luxury of creating duplication and overlap in times of austerity budgets, after all we have heard from across the way in that connection. After hearing the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, the Prime Minister himself even, saying that action will be taken to reduce duplication and overlap, now we are presented with a bill that does exactly that, creates a double structure, a double role, which encroaches on an area of Quebec jurisdiction, which makes institutions such as the Bank of Canada duplicate the work of others.

Mining Exploration And Development  The motion before us urges the government to adopt the recommendations of the report of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources entitled "Lifting Canadian Mining Off The Rocks" and urges the adoption of a new program of incentives. It seems to me that at a time of budget austerity and restraint it would be wiser not to seek new tax incentives and subsidies. It is true that the mining industry is an important part of the Canadian economy. It is true that the past recession has proven difficult for the mining industry, but the resource sector has returned to profitability.

Business Development Bank Of Canada Act  We also learned from the bank's representatives, during the proceedings of the committee, that in these times of economic recession and budget crisis, the bank has decided to move most of its branches, economic austerity notwithstanding. So we ask where is the coherence in this government if it cuts seven billion dollars in transfers to provinces for social programs and allows spending of that nature which seems entirely unnecessary and untimely.

Budget Implementation Act, 1995  Nor did they compensate the unemployed when they cut UI funds by $2.5 billion annually. In a period of fiscal austerity, a time when it is said that the federal system is bankrupt with a debt of $548 billion, they are ready to give what amounts to $2.2 billion to western producers. It is totally unfair because, as I said earlier, Quebec's money will be used to increase the competitiveness of western cattlemen who are going to compete with Quebec hog and beef producers.

Postal Services  Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should realize that we are in a period of fiscal austerity. Obviously, the fiscal restraint announced in the budget will have consequences. However, as I just said, we are currently looking at ways of readjusting our programs to avoid any adverse effect on that important industry.

Government Spending  Canadian taxpayers will pay the expenses of not only six federal representatives, but also 20 experts from various countries. How can the Government of Canada justify such an expenditure in the present context of austerity? Once again, the federal government's total lack of common sense in the way it manages the public purse has surfaced. While the federal government's reforms are wreaking havoc on the most needy, it is spending taxpayers' money like there is no tomorrow.