Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question. He has a history of a long and distinguished career in this place. He comes from the province of British Columbia, so obviously he has more insights than most on this issue.
With respect to the commentary and the statement about taxation without representation, I think many will find it somewhat offensive. When they get into the nuts and bolts of the agreement they realize that there is a provision for representation. The taxation scheme that is set up is a fair one. Although there is certainly a nuance here with respect to how the taxation may differ from our current system, I would say that confrontation without consultation or information, which is at the base of some of the comments that we have heard in this Chamber, is equally offensive.
The last thing we need or that anyone should desire is to bring in any element of racism about this particular agreement. We should be concentrating on the facts, not perpetrating mistruths or exaggerating effects that this agreement will have. Let us talk in reality. Let us deal with the facts that will move this agreement forward in a positive way.