Mr. Dave Nickerson (Western Arctic):

Mr. Speaker, sloth and wastefulness, arrogance and corruption, these were the characteristics of a Liberal-Socialist alliance too long in power. Their pigeons came home to roost on September 4. On the other hand, sound financial management and prudence in the handling of the public purse will be the hallmarks of the new Government.

Since September 17 the Cabinet, and in particular the Minister of Finance (Mr. Wilson), have been diligently working on an economic statement which will show the true state of Canada's national finances and will set us on the road to economic recovery. Controlling the deficit, that legacy of the Trudeau years which hangs around the necks of Canadians like a stone, will have to be uppermost in the mind of the Minister.

I urge all parliamentarians and all Canadians to listen carefully this evening at 6.30 when the Minister of Finance will pull the switch, thereby putting Canada back on the track toward a bright and prosperous future.

Mr. Gordon Taylor (Bow River):

Mr. Speaker, the Hon. Member for Winnipeg-Fort Garry (Mr. Axworthy) when he was a member of the Liberal Government, along with his Liberal colleagues procrastinated for some 15 months before bringing in amendments to the Western Grain Stabilization Act. He and the Liberal Minister of Agriculture dilly-dallied while some 400 farmers went bankrupt. Progressive Conserva-

November 8, 1984

tive members pleaded, argued, entreated, and even prayed for a pay-out so farmers could plant their crops last spring. But the Liberals refused, and finally in the dying days of the last Parliament they brought in the Bill. They promised a pay-out of $300 million.

However, yesterday the same Hon. Member for Winnipeg-Fort Garry shed crocodile tears and talked about a pay-out of $500 million. What gall! What hypocrisy! This PC Government lost no time in completing the pay-out, and because of the excellent attitude of the Ministers of Transport, of Agriculture, and of the Wheat Board, hundreds of farmers are now rethinking about opting out. PCs will change the Act in order to trigger a pay-out when a pay-out is needed. The Liberals talk. The PCs act.

Right Hon. John N. Turner (Leader of the Opposition):

Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Right Hon. Prime Minister. It was inconceivable to those of us on this side of the House that there was no mention of post-secondary education in the Throne Speech. On behalf of the students of the University of British Columbia and other universities across the country, does the Prime Minister intend to make it his personal priority when he meets the Premiers at the upcoming summit to place post-secondary education on the agenda? If so, would he consult the students of the country so that they may help set the agenda for the national economic summit?

Right Hon. Brian Mulroney (Prime Minister):

Mr. Speaker, indeed it is our intention to discuss it with the Premiers next week. This is one of the reasons why it was not mentioned in any specifics a little earlier this week. Notwithstanding the observation yesterday of the Right Hon. Leader of the Opposition that he thought we were indulging in perhaps too much consultation, I would be delighted to take his suggestion and consult further with the students.

Hear, hear!

Mr. Turner (Vancouver Quadra):

I am sure the university students of the country would welcome any opportunity to give the right hon. gentleman some advice.

Right Hon. Brian Mulroney (Prime Minister):

Mr. Speaker, I think the manner in which the question is set out indicates the fundamental difference between our two Parties. The Right Hon. Leader of the Opposition appears to presuppose that if we make an agreement with the provinces they will do something improper. We believe the contrary, that if we strike a deal with the provinces, they are honourable people and they will follow through.

Mr. Turner (Vancouver Quadra):

Before meeting the Premiers, I think the right hon. gentleman ought to look at the facts to see how that money is actually being spent by the provinces.

Right Hon. John N. Turner (Leader of the Opposition):

Mr. Speaker, could the Right Hon. Prime Minister inform the House and students across the country whether he is in favour of setting national objectives, with the agreement of the provinces, in the field of post-secondary education?

Right Hon. Brian Mulroney (Prime Minister):

The Leader of the Opposition is right in bringing up an issue that is absolutely vital, and on which I would say an unprecedented amount of consultation and co-operation will be necessary. In fact, this has been the position taken by the Leader of the Opposition, and rightly so, throughout his public life, and I can assure him that it will be ours as well, especially in an area as vitally important as this one.

Starting next Tuesday, we shall be consulting not only on the principle but also on implementation procedures.

Mrs. Sheila Finestone (Mount Royal):

Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of State for Youth. However, with your indulgence and, through you, I should like to offer my congratulations to the Minister on her appointment to such a sensitive post at this time of crisis for our youth.