Over the next number of weeks, we will be discussing and lobbying to get more for our communities as well as interest groups. We will work hard to ensure our communities will not feel the brunt of the cutbacks that my honourable colleague, Mr. Todd, has presented to us. It is our responsibility to fight for every dollar we can but still show this government that we do believe and are intent on bringing our House in order.

In reviewing the budget address, I must congratulate the Honourable Minister for his efforts to ensure this House will have a balanced budget within the next year and possibly realize a slight surplus. I know he has taken the brunt of criticism for the action that this government has implemented over the last year, and I am sure he along with the rest of the Cabinet will be criticized further. However, we must get our finances in order to meet the ever changing climate that we are operating in and still provide the necessary services our people require.

With the possibility of a surplus we are now seeing Members of this House lobbying for their fair share. This, as we all know, is only a budget. We will not know if we have an actual surplus until later in the year. We should not spend what we do not have today and hope we have it tomorrow. We must continue to be aware of our commitment to our constituents. It is our children and grandchildren that will feel the effects of our decisions in this House.

Mr. Speaker, during my review I found many areas that are encouraging. For example, the Community Action Fund which will provide badly needed dollars to communities for family wellness programs with the goal of providing early intervention support services to children and families in need. I feel this one initiative alone will have a major role in the lives of our future generations. By providing this service it will assist families to work towards a better life for all and thus reduce dependencies on this government. Other initiatives dealing with social programs in communities will assist the communities to look after their own, will also be helpful for this government. For years communities have expressed interest in dealing with offenders of the law through local communities instead of sending these offenders to an institution that in most cases is far from home and quite often too harsh an environment to provide any substantial assistance. For it is the communities know these people and know how to deal with them. I would also say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this government seems to be attempting to provide that prevention.

Mr. Speaker, it is also important to note that this government is showing a commitment to our business sector, by providing support and assistance to our local small businesses in order that they can expand and employ local residents. The need for our smaller communities to develop a stable economic base is what will also assist in reduction of dependencies on this government and make these communities prosper. There is a need in all communities for the local businesses to know that the availability of funding sources is there and that investors are out there ready and willing to support our local people.

The Community Futures Program is another example of how this government is supporting local business. It has long been recognized that most small communities do not have the necessary resources or expertise to assist their residents in establishing businesses. Through this program I would hope we can see societies grow and provide services and support to many interested parties.

Mr. Speaker, I believe this budget is heading in the right direction and hopefully it can stay on track. It will take all our efforts to ensure we can provide our people with the best possible services and support program that we can. It is also our responsibility as Ordinary Members of this House to ensure that this government is as fair and equitable in all cuts that come forward as they possibly can be. As well as provide the best possible action to our constituents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause