Mr. Speaker, some question has arisen in the House on the matter of 53 Bloc members versus 52 Reform members, although I do not believe that is the entire consideration placed before you by our House leader.
The question arises whether the current Leader of the Opposition is deemed to have resigned from his seat in the House considering the issue of conflict of interest by an individual who has verbally given notice to lead a province and a party dedicated to separating from Canada.
The issues that individual is now dealing with are provincial in nature and not explicitly in the interests of the federation. Mr. Speaker, I therefore believe there are 52 members in both parties and that you should look at the issue of whether the Leader of Opposition is a member of the House at this point.