I do not mind having the government member read his document, but I would like to get back to what we were discussing from the start. I sense that there is a desire to simply set the provinces aside in terms of future direction for the National Capital Commission. I am prepared to listen to constitutional experts tell us that the federal government can do whatever it pleases, but it must be said that these lands are those of the Quebec nation. They're also those of Ontario. When we are discussing broad general direction, the provinces that are involved should be consulted. I believe it is simply a matter of respect.
Earlier on the parliamentary secretary was telling us that the Department of Public Works and Government Services had the right of expropriation. I would prefer to have that department make use of its power of expropriation because at least it would never do so without holding discussions with the provinces. The problem is that an arm's length committee is being given the power to make all sorts of decisions on provincial lands without consulting the province in question. I would prefer to have the government make use of its right of expropriation. At least it would not do business with the provinces without consulting them first. The problem is that an arm's length commission is being given the authority to do anything it chooses without consulting the provinces. At some point this is going to have to come to an end. These are not elected representatives. I would prefer to have the minister and the government make use of their authorities. These authorities are being granted to an arm's length agency which would have unlimited powers. When it is in the planning stages, it should be compelled to consult with the public and provincial governments. It is simply a matter of logic.
The parliamentary secretary was saying that they may do as they choose, when they choose. It would be made public, and there may nor may not be consultations. I believe my colleague's motion is quite appropriate. We are referring to long-term planning. I would move that there be consultations with the provinces involved, out of respect for public administrations. If you want to have an agency which acts without any regard for others, keep doing what you are doing.