Mr. Speaker, there is indeed a time difference. I would like to send greetings to the people of British Columbia and the Yukon who may be getting ready for bed. However, the residents of the maritimes probably went to bed a long time ago.
As for Quebec's role, the Prime Minister is of course a Quebecer, as is the Minister for International Trade. However, their perspective on things is totally Canadian, and while I am not saying that this is a bad thing, it seems to me that when you pay a visit to someone, it is normal that that they be allowed to greet their guests.
In my opinion, the premier of Quebec and leader of all Quebecers—and I am not indulging in partisan politics, in fact I am making a real effort not to during this debate—could have been invited to address some welcoming remarks to the delegates. At the very least, he should have been extended this courtesy.
Even though we are part of a federation—one that is becoming increasingly centralized perhaps—under the constitution, Quebec has jurisdiction over such areas as health and education. Therefore, if issues that concern Quebec arise, then I feel it should, at the very least, be more involved in the discussions.
We could debate this issue at some length, but I am convinced that where Quebec's role is concerned, there has been negligence.