Wednesday, March 6, 1968 thing. 1 just give it what its worth. Of course there were two attempted increases in taxes which the Opposition prevented by beating the Federal Government forces on these two issues. The attempted increase in postage rates and the attempted W/o increase in income taxes. It seems to me that some people, when they're in office, take themselves too seriously. Remember Prime Minister Pearson being inter¬ viewed on T.V . bemoaning the fact that he and his Government were in crisis and he predicted that this would have dire effects on the financial world, that the stock and bond market would collapse because of the news that he and his Liberal Govern¬ ment had fallen. What do you suppose the repercussions on the stock market were? On Feb. 22 I read that the prices bounced up on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the market's first major rally in more than a month and the Montreal stock exchange market followed rallying patterns at the close of moderately active trading Wednes¬ day where the gains led losses 54 to 44. You know, Mr. Speaker , the Liberal Gov¬ ernment on Prince Edward Island takes itself pretty seriously too. It's hard to find too many people who agree with them any more. I think that when a person or a Government loses the ability to laugh at himself or itself it's in bad shape and I believe that this was the case last Thursday when speaking in defence of the pro¬ posed Economic Development program that the Premier said something to this effect. This is exactly what he said, "It's the only thing that this Province has left." Now, Mr. Speaker , surely it's not that bad. Walter R. Shaw : Oh, it is. Lloyd G. MacPhail : And if it is the present Government must take the blme for re¬ ducing our prospects to one forlorn hope. Of course, Mr. Speaker , I believe Opposi¬ tion Members would be unwise to wholeheartedly embrace a program of which we've been able to learn surprisingly little after more than one year of questioning. If this policy has value, if the Government itself knows anything about it, why not tell us and solicit our support? (Applause) Why all the mystery? If, on the other hand, they know nothing good about it, why try to have Opposition Members precommit themselves? Unknown Voice: You might be like Henderson. You might get two votes for the leadership. (Laughter) Lloyd G. MacPhail : I for one am not going to prejudge this program. If and when the mystery is removed about this program and I can see that it offers possibili¬ ties and has the direction that can effect solutions to the serious problems that confront the many aspects of life and livelihood in Prince Edward Island today, then will I be happy and anxious to assist in it's implementation. (Applause) Hon . Alex B. Campbell : That's the boy! Lloyd G. MacPhail : On Prince Edward Island today there are problems, many prob¬ lems. Some irritating, some fairly serious but I am greatly disturbed at the de¬ featist attitude by Members of this Government. In their complacency they accept conditions as they find them and in most of these problems, by Government ineffic¬ iency, their lack of concern. You know, Mr. Speaker , in the prostrate position that they have assumed they seem always to be the captives and never the masters of events. Walter R. Shaw : Wake up over there. Lloyd G. MacPhail : These problems are not insurmountable. Hon . Alex B. Campbell : Tell us more. Lloyd MacPhail : These problems are not insurmountable. Unknown Voice: Well, hear that. Lloyd G. MacPhail : But the Government should start to work. Look alive, the honey¬ moon is over. The Province expects some action. —159—