Yes, meddling. I thank the hon. member opposite. Sometimes you have to grab their attention.
I think this is inexcusable intrusion by the federal government in family matters. I recognize that the federal government wants to get involved in a relationship where the family is on its last legs, but this means going into the bedroom after the parties have left it. It means going into the parents' bedroom to see if the parents are making the right decision on the education of their children. I find that outrageous.
For the benefit of members from other regions besides Quebec, I would like to mention certain elements of Quebec legislation.
In the past year, Quebec has passed two laws. I will identify them and then we will discuss them a bit. The first is a model for setting support payments. It has in effect since May 1997 and reflects the importance Quebec accords its children. The second concerns family mediation and has been in effect since September 1997.
What does this mean? It means that Quebec looks after parents who are separating or divorcing. The model for setting support payments takes the incomes of both parents into account along with custody time. A formula and a guide for setting the amount of support are also available for the parents, mediators, lawyers and the courts. It is already set up. Family mediation is a new program allowing couples with children to agree at no cost on issues such as custody, visiting rights, child support and the division of assets in every judicial district.
The important thing in all this is that people are doing something. I see some movement across the floor. Members opposite are waking up, finally. Some are even laughing at me. It does not make sense. I realize it is getting a little late.
I want to make sure we will not let the federal government stomp all over areas under provincial jurisdiction. That is the purpose of my speech this afternoon. I want people to know that.
Moreover, I do not understand why a committee is being set up to review this issue, when everything is already in black and white. As I said earlier, I have never seen the federal government review something and then say that it does not make sense, that the government will not to come up with something.
However, I will give other members an opportunity to address this issue and I am prepared to answer questions if there are any.