Mr. Speaker, I rise today not in defence of ACOA the agency, but in defence of ACOA the concept.
In the 45-page report on crown financial institutions, the banking committee of the other place runs roughshod over the regional development agencies and, in the words of one senator, suggests ACOA be put out of its misery. The committee has not done its homework and demonstrates little appreciation for this agency's work or for Atlantic Canada's current and future economic circumstances.
The other place appears to forget its constitutional mandate to defend the interests of the region. The status quo is not what Atlantic Canada needs. We want our region to continue the drive to self-sufficiency.
The Senate committee has recommended that we throw out the baby, the bath water and even the tub. We in this House will not stand idly by.