Mr. Speaker, the government has failed to reach an agreement with the largest public service union, which represents over 70 per cent of all government employees. The government has come down on the side of confrontation, by rejecting the union's proposal out of hand, without bothering to negotiate, which is particularly offensive. This will lead to a showdown between the government and its employees.
I would ask the President of the Treasury Board whether he agrees that this showdown, a direct consequence of his refusal to negotiate, may well turn into a major confrontation in which all parties stand to lose: public servants will lose their jobs, the public its services and the government its credibility with its employees and the public?