Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, the Leader of the Opposition is wrong. I have in front of me quotes from Newfoundland's finance minister, Winston Baker, who says that he is in favour of beginning discussions; so is Allan Maher, New Brunswick's finance minister.
I must tell you that the Leader of the Opposition quoted Mr. Rae. I have Mr. Rae's exact words, which I will quote in English since he spoke English.
Mr. Rae said he was willing to work with Ottawa to replace the tax, we have a tax that is like sharing a bedroom with a gorilla, so if we can have any suggestions as to how to move the gorilla out of the bedroom I would be happy to discuss that.
I have not had a lot of experience with gorillas in bedrooms-I would interpret that it may well be difficult-but I believe the premier of Ontario was saying he is prepared to co-operate.