Mr. Speaker, I appreciate those comments and the positive tone. However, it does not answer the basic issue of equity when one is looking at the approach.
I take the member at his word when he says that surely the minister does not intend that and that this is not going to be allowed to happen. Time will tell. On this side of the House we certainly hope that the government would not allow that to happen.
As for the enhanced and possible opportunities that are going to exist by this package, I agree. I hope that the people of Cape Breton and all Nova Scotians will rise to the occasion. They have in the past and they have had to. Information technology, industry, academics and music are very important parts of the Cape Breton economy that have been developing.
These opportunities cannot exist unless there is a starting point. They need some form of industry to come in in the short term and address the unemployment situation. This is where the real dire straits exist. There is 20% unemployment. The same is true of Guysborough county in the riding I represent. I know it is true in other parts of the province.
In Newfoundland and in the maritime provinces generally, people want to work. They do not want the stigma to continue that maritimers are dependent on the rest of the country and have to leave to get jobs. They want to work. They want to stay at home. They want to be able to raise their families. They want to grow up and live in the places they are accustomed to. They want their dignity.
I hope this bill will address some of those inequities.