Mr. Chairman, I am prepared to answer not only this question but indeed all questions that members may want to pose about the content of the bill.
To answer the question the hon. member asked, it has been my practice as a minister in the rather unusual portfolio of Leader of the Government in the House of Commons to consult colleagues from all political parties through the leadership of of the parties as assigned by the party leaders for the purpose of the administration of the House.
In other words, there is rarely a day without my consulting the respective leaders of the parties in the House: the opposition House leader, the House leader for the Bloc, the House leader for the NDP and the House leader for the Conservatives. That is the traditional way by which House leaders consult each other.
As a minister there is not a requirement to consult per se opposition parties before drafting legislation, but given the particular nature of this bill and given the particular role that I have as minister of state and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, I have consulted very widely with other political parties through their House leaders.
Might I take this occasion to congratulate the House leaders of other parties for their valuable contributions, each one of them speaking very eloquently on various issues that assisted in the drafting of the legislation. They have always been very courteous in making themselves available and in contributing. For that I thank them immensely. That is the way in which the consultations were held. I am sure most members would agree that is the fair and appropriate way to have consultations in this regard.