Mr. Speaker, I am very happy the member sent a survey out to his riding which came back four to one in opposition to the merger. I believe that tells us what the Canadian people are thinking.
I guess my question back to him is whether or not he would agree with me that we now need a parliamentary inquiry, a parliamentary committee, so his constituents and my constituents have a chance to speak out publicly on how they feel about that particular merger.
It would be very helpful if some members of the Liberal Party would rise and say publicly that we need a parliamentary investigation.
I also want to say to him that I do not believe the consumer legislation is strong enough for ordinary people. That is why we want to strengthen the competition bill. That is one reason for the particular debate today.
Historically our banks have been a very protected sector of our economy. That is why they have an obligation to be more forthright with Canadian people. That is why they have an obligation to reduce bank service charges, for example. That is why they have an obligation to be more generous in terms of loans to small businesses and farmers. I am sure the member agrees with me.
I believe we need stronger competition policy to protect the consumer, but I also invite him to rise with me in the House and ask the Minister of Finance in a very polite way for a parliamentary committee investigation right now made up of all five parties and not just Liberal backbenchers having hearings behind the scenes. That is not a parliamentary democracy.