Thanks, Chair.
The government's approach.... Again, this is another case where this government does not consult and engage provincial and territorial governments. The Minister of Finance basically said “My way or the highway”. He laid this plan in front of the provincial and territorial governments and didn't engage in a meaningful way. This is why I will be moving an amendment later that simply requires that these clauses would come into force on a day to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council after the government has consulted with first ministers and aboriginal leaders on this division.
I'm certain that all members of the committee will support the amendment, since it simply requires that the minister meet with provincial, territorial, and aboriginal leaders on these changes, which will have a significant effect on the resources available, particularly at a time when we see a deepening of lines in terms of prosperity or lack of prosperity between Canadian provinces and regions and a bifurcation of the Canadian economy.