Yes. To the extent you got advice to this effect, I think it was bad advice. Having said that, let us not be under any illusion. It was not crafted with a view to establishing a national housing strategy. It was crafted specifically with a view to getting Bloc support. Monsieur Lessard was not supporting anything that didn't specifically allow for a special provision for Quebec only.
This was crafted--and I would put it to you, Ms. Davies--specifically to get the support of the Bloc for your bill and not for any other purpose, or else you'd have done it earlier. You have had at least two amendments, and this is the third, to get the Bloc to vote with you. So let's be clear about that.
With respect to the amendment itself, nobody's yet explained to me why Quebec, as a result of being a party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, has the right to do what you say in the amendment. Perhaps Monsieur Lessard or others could clarify why Quebec, as opposed to any other province, might have special privileges, because of the international covenant, which the other provinces might not have.
No one's yet explained to me how this amendment does not detract from a national policy. And if this amendment doesn't take away from the purpose of the bill, which is to establish a national housing strategy, how is it that other provinces are not added to it? I would like to ask Ms. Davies and Monsieur Lessard how many provinces they have consulted with and put the question to as to whether or not they would want the same privileges that Monsieur Lessard is planning for Quebec--