Mr. Speaker, when he questions the $250-million figure, the minister is actually questioning Robert Bourassa, Daniel Johnson and former minister Bourbeau, all of whom happen to be Liberals as well as federalists. In fact, they should have said so during this past election campaign, but they chose not to for quite understandable reasons. It did not make much difference anyway.
When the minister talks about co-operation, does he realize that, for two or three years now, there has been a consensus in Quebec amongst unions, business circles, the co-operative movement, the academic community and even the Liberal Party of Quebec that all powers concerning manpower should be repatriated in Quebec?
How can the minister contend that his government is committed to discussing, or even co-operating, with the provinces, while it rejects from the outset one of Quebec's fundamental demands which enjoys widespread support among all the socioeconomic stakeholders in Quebec?