No, certainly they have a huge role to play, I don't have to tell you that.
But as you know, this government has sponsored the Mental Health Commission. You'll know of all the different efforts we have had, working with our provincial counterparts, in the whole area of mental health. Mr. Chairman, I'm sure you've heard evidence of that over the years on this committee, which has been very important indeed. The Mental Health Commission, instituted by the Government of Canada, is a perfect example of a major financial commitment on behalf of this government.
That being said, I never underestimate or belittle in any way the huge responsibility that the provinces have with respect to health care. As you know, they have the constitutional responsibility for that.
But again, this is why we have to be so careful crafting these pieces of legislation. We all have a responsibility to deal with these individuals, and again, what we are doing is very reasonable and it addresses those individuals who have had mental health issues. We are better protecting them and indeed the public. Yes, I agree, we all have a role to play, but I certainly never underestimate the huge role that the provinces have in administering health care, as they do of course under the Constitution.
I know we've just had a budget recently. I always look to see what money goes towards assisting the provinces in health care, and I'm very pleased that we've increased those amounts again this year. So yes, we're giving more for health care to the provinces. We've taken that responsibility very seriously. I've been pleased with the relationship at that level, and certainly, with the coming together of a piece of legislation like this.