Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Prime Minister.
The National Energy Board has just approved a proposal for a pipeline that will go directly from Sable Island to the United States. However, in June 1996, the prime minister wanted, and I quote “natural gas to first serve the needs of the people of New Brunswick and Quebec, before it goes to the United States”.
Since cabinet must decide on the pipeline route, is the prime minister prepared to set the decision aside, as long as the second proposed pipeline, which passes by Quebec and New Brunswick, has not been—