All right.
I have proposed an amendment. I have discussed this with your colleagues, Mr. Bouchard et Mr. Laforest, and I would like to ask you this: would you agree to this amendment? I am suggesting that the regions be defined as proposed in the bill, but that metropolitan areas with a population of 200,000 or more be excluded.
There are two reasons for this. Under the current definition, the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba and almost all the Maritime provinces would be deemed to be regions. That means that if you live in Halifax, Saint John, Regina or certain cities in Quebec as well, you will be eligible. So, if the goal is to encourage people to return to the small cities and towns, it would not be a good idea to subsidize people living in large cities.
Also, if cities with a population of over 200,000 are excluded, the cost will be lower. Would you agree to such an amendment?