Mr. Speaker, the member for Edmonton East raises a very important issue which I think most Canadians find quite astonishing, that while Canada has entered into international trade agreements it has failed to find a way to reduce interprovincial trade barriers which in some ways would not be permitted in our relations with other countries.
I am pleased to advise the House that progress is being made. A great deal of effort is being put into this project by ministers who are members of the committee of ministers on internal trade, ministers from all provinces and the territories, as we work toward the June 30 deadline.
Given the commitment that is being made on the part of all provinces, there is a very good prospect it will succeed in having a broad based and worthwhile framework agreement together with comprehensive chapters in a number of areas, a number of sectors, which will provide a good base for continuing progress in this issue.
Frankly I find the spirit of co-operation from all provinces very encouraging, although I must say I worry about retaliatory action being taken by Ontario in light of the results of the Stanley Cup playoff game the other night.