Mr. Speaker, I could not agree more. These people should have a look at their own backyard first and their own jurisdictions, and try first to see what they can do there, before they intrude on provincial jurisdictions.
I also think that, ultimately, voters in affected areas are in the best position to set their own priorities. Generally, people are much closer to their provincial governments than to the federal government, and provincial politicians are much more in touch with their constituents than we are. The same holds true for municipal representatives. So we can say there are quite a few members opposite who are out of touch.
Voters are much more likely to put pressure on the elected representatives who are closer to them and in a better position to determine their needs. I cannot determine what is best for the people in B.C., and they cannot determine either what is best for us. I respect this type of approach.
The federal government should take a look at its own backyard. It has enough problems as it is without looking for more elsewhere. I do not want to digress, but we know that the feds have a debate on their hands about the surplus in the EI fund and the budget surpluses.
Why do these members not stand up, not speak up, not shake up their government so that it will take care of the most important priorities? No, these people are looking for jurisdictions, for squabbles between the federal and provincial governments and for senseless debates that keep us from moving forward. They really do love squabbles. They are always looking for more of them.