Mr. Speaker, the social union framework agreement is great news for all Canadians.
The first ministers agreed to improve a social union that is already among the best in the world. Better yet, co-operation was the watchword throughout the discussions.
Governments will work together to set national social policy objectives, but programming will be left up to the provinces so that they can meet specific needs.
This agreement represents an important step forward. It reflects our government's desire to modernize the federation and make it work better, while respecting provincial jurisdictions, for the greater benefit of all Canadians.