Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question from my colleague from Nova Scotia. He is correct in saying that there is a longstanding affinity and I know the people of Pictou County owe a great debt of gratitude to the people of Cape Breton, the draggermen in particular, for their assistance during the Westray disaster and on other occasions when mining disasters took place in my part of the world.
In simple terms, I would support an enhanced package if it would ensure an equitable approach. As I tried to outline clearly in my remarks, there is an approach that appears to be in existence in which inequities exist, where individuals who have worked in the coal mining industry for a long period of time are disentitled to benefits, while those who appear to have been there for a shorter period of time are receiving benefits. There have been occasions when this has occurred in other programs, for example the TAGS program.
If the public at large is to have any confidence in this package, this remuneration or compensation package, there has to be fairness. That is what is missing here. It is not the genuine intent, but the formula that has been set up by the government is flawed. We have an opportunity to fix that. I hope that with the participation of the Progressive Conservative Party and other parties in opposition that the government will be open to the changes that will be proposed at the committee. I hope they will take place.