Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'm happy to have the first opportunity, after a year, to talk to the Minister of Finance for more than two 35-second periods. I'm referring to Question Period in the House of Commons.
Minister, you said that you look forward to receiving our report on pre-budget consultations. The report has actually already been made public, so you can read it now.
I would like to talk a bit about what I'm really pleased with, that is, your plan to set up a securities commission, which you mention in your budget. You probably know that, in June 2010, people like Paul Volcker, Gary Cohn, of Goldman Sachs, and Mary Shapiro came to Montreal for a meeting of the International Organization of Securities Commissions. Last week, you said that the agreement with China was actually signed by the securities commissions of Quebec and other provinces.
It seems to me, however, that the support of important institutions, such as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, is rapidly fading. This morning's issue of the National Post contained a very good article by Mr. McIntosh.
The transition plan you released on July 12 stated that the provinces would sign a development agreement by September 2010.The annual report you submitted on October 5 stated that the agreement would be signed in fall 2010. Then, on October 8, a statement was issued saying that there was no need for that agreement.
Shouldn't you should just admit that you're giving up on the initiative.