Mr. Speaker, it is interesting the government claims Reform was not here on that weekend to support its back to work legislation. I was here. I spoke for the full time I was allotted by the government. Many of my colleagues were here as well, notwithstanding the fact that we came from the farthest part of this great country to make our speeches. It was a very catastrophic time for a lot of people: for the rail companies, the farmers, the grain people and everyone else.
The member from Moose Jaw previously questioned my colleague. He pointed out that we tried to bring in pre-emptive legislation which would have prevented the strike but the government refused to it. We tried to get something done when CP Rail went on strike. Again the government did not do anything. It did not do anything until CN Rail went on strike.
There is a well substantiated rumour that the government was intentionally waiting until CN went on strike so that it could bring in legislation with a different type of arbitrated settlement and impose the kind of settlement that would enhance the viability of selling CN Rail so the government could look good. If something like final offer selection arbitration had been brought in, the government would have lost an opportunity.
Has the hon. member heard such rumours? Does he put any stock in them? Would he like to see something put in place to protect the workers of the rail companies with grain handling, all the people who are involved in such a nefarious plot by this government?