Mr. Speaker, in his remarks, the parliamentary secretary talked about "real Canadians", and then about "real problems".
We on this side also feel we are talking about "real problems", and we also happen to feel there exists such a thing as "real Quebecers", but they include not only Bloc members who are intent on paralysing the government. The parliamentary secretary himself read the resolution passed by the Quebec National Assembly. This resolution was supported and passed by all members. It was supported by the Parti Quebecois members on the government side, but also by members of the Liberal Party of Quebec.
Needless to say, the official opposition does not feel isolated on this side of the debate as he would have us believe by saying we are the only ones who do not want to co-operate and discuss solutions.
Let me put a few questions to the parliamentary secretary. Concerning the partnership he was talking about, what does the federal government intend to do about employability development organizations? I should point out that all of them have been advised that their mandate will be over on March 30th. What will happen to them after that? After all, they are funded by the federal government. Could he outline the alternatives for me?
Time permitting, could he also tell me what will happen with the program for independent students? Funds for this program ran out a long time ago in many ridings. It is all very fine to have programs, but what good are they when there are no funds? What does the government intend to do between now and March 30th for those people who want to go on training? This is an existing program. What is it that prevents the federal government from keeping those programs alive until an agreement is reached?