Mr. Speaker, I as a minister of this government and in fact this government are certainly open to hear from Canadians on any topic at any time. We are certainly prepared to do so.
The fundamental point that we have made is that we are not going to allow this process to be hijacked by anybody. We are going to insist that the task force complete its schedule on time and that there be a public debate. Only after that will we consider this merger or any other similar merger.
As far as we are concerned, public policy will be made by the government for the benefit and the interests of all Canadians, not any particular institution.