Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance.
He will know that despite his assurances, which are widely believed, that the government will meet its short term targets, a downgrade of Canada's credit rating now appears to be inevitable. This will lead to higher interest rates, higher borrowing rates and higher mortgage rates for all Canadians, rates that have risen considerably since the government took office.
Will the minister admit that his targets, whether or not they are met, are totally inadequate? That is what the markets are saying.