Never, Mr. Speaker, will we give the provinces power over our monetary system.
The Bank of Canada's powers are based on its responsibilities for guaranteeing large value transfers, to create a safer, more responsible system for all Canadians, including Quebecers. Why
decentralize? Destroy what? Our monetary system, the Bank of Canada system? That would be stupid, and the hon. memberknows it.
Why, during the referendum campaign, did they ask for the right to use the Canadian dollar? Were they afraid of using another monetary system? Of course they were. Why did they spend so much money to support the Canadian dollar when the markets were almost predicting Quebec's separation? They were afraid. That is why the Bank of Canada must be able to control and guarantee transfers as provided for in Bill C-100.
I will not get into a debate on the other powers that could be devolved to the provinces. There is certainly a great deal of overlap and duplication in powers. Our Prime Minister said that it would be better to work together with all the provinces to better serve Canadians in reducing spending, red tape and duplication.
As far as manpower is concerned, almost a year ago, the minister wrote the Quebec government in an attempt to negotiate something in the sector mentioned by the hon. member. He never received an answer. This shows the hypocrisy of the Bloc in this House. They want to get powers, money and independence without contributing to the debate affecting all Canadians. They will continue to do so, but we will not be fooled. Even without the Bloc's co-operation, we will continue to build with all the other members of this House a more effective, more profitable, more generous, more prosperous country. And we will do so in spite of the separatists.