Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Qu'Appelle for his question.
This reminds me of question period when a Liberal backbencher stands to ask a question of their Liberal colleague. There does not seem to be a lot of opportunity to discuss issues because they are all very busy people. Likewise, the members of my caucus are very busy, so my colleague has asked me a question with respect to how we should enhance this legislation so it can be effective when dealing with bank mergers.
There are a number of ways in which it can be strengthened. The commissioner should have the power to ask these questions when considering a merger: What will be the benefits to Canada if the merger proceeds? How many new jobs in Canada will be created if the merger proceeds? Will the banks commit a percentage of their deposits to reinvest in the communities in which they are operating?
If those three criteria were dealt with, discussed and met, and there was generosity in co-operation with the Canadian Competition Bureau, as there has been with the Bank of Montreal in co-operating with the Chicago Morgan Bank and the U.S. regulations to invest money in their communities, then I believe that Canadians would look at this in a broader way. These are three very quick things off the top of my head in answer to the member for Qu'Appelle. I would be happy to entertain any more questions from my dear colleagues in the House.