Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for the question. This whole issue of looking at other relationships of dependency, economic dependency and emotional dependency, is one that I certainly have no objection to parliament examining carefully. Indeed, an argument can be made that there are relationships which should have benefits extended to them. I am pleased that the Minister of Justice has recognized this and I understand she is referring this issue to a committee for further study.
The case of a brother and sister who have lived together for many years and who are involved in a situation of economic dependence is something we can examine. In fact many of us are asking why benefits necessarily have to be extended on the basis of a relationship to another person at all. Many of us want to know whether we should look at another means of achieving the extension of benefits, whether they be health, dental or other benefits.
It is important to acknowledge what this bill does. It responds to the Supreme Court of Canada particularly in the M. v H. decision and the earlier decision in Miron v Trudel. It recognizes that where benefits are extended and where there are obligations for common law heterosexual partners, that justice and equality means that those same benefits should be extended to same sex partners. That is what this bill is addressing. The other issues in terms of other relationships will be addressed by committee and I look forward to that discussion.