Mr. Speaker, if the member's experience is anything like mine then each day and each passing week brings a wide variety of representations by letter or by telephone on issues that face us. Of course it is no way in which to fashion public policy. What is important in fashioning public policy is meaningful consultation.
In response to the hon. member's question, may I point out that the 1 per cent of population immigration figure, which is used for this year, arose from broad consultations which took place by the last government during 1993 when eight public meetings were held across the country involving hundreds of Canadians from all segments of society.
May I point out as well that the 1 per cent reflects a platform on which this party sought and won election last fall. May I lastly point out that the minister is committed to a process which he announced on February 2 for a review of the 10-year framework for immigration policy in which all Canadians will have an opportunity to participate, including those who may have written and phoned the hon. member's office.