Mr. Speaker, I have a short comment before putting my question to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.
Since this morning, Reform members seem to get the Quebec and Newfoundland issues mixed up, not realizing that section 93 is not involved, contrary to what they have been saying all day. The two issues are different from a procedural point of view.
Obviously, Reformers would like a referendum to be held in Quebec on this issue. However, there is a consensus on this issue, which even the federal government deemed adequate to move forward. I remind Reform members that it is not only sovereignists who feel there is an adequate consensus.
My question to the minister is this: Given that Newfoundlanders said yes twice—both times through a democratic process involving consultations and a royal commission of inquiry—why establish such a committee? We will not oppose it, but one wonders. Why set up a committee?
Could it be that, following the work of the committee, the government may find it necessary to make amendments, changes, etc., or is everything already decided anyway? The people have spoken. Why set up a committee and particularly, as I said this morning, a joint committee that will include our dear senators, whose legitimacy is being questioned by everyone? So, why set up a committee after the people have already clearly voiced their opinion and are, for all intents and purposes, waiting for us to move forward?