Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for the intention to support the Progressive Conservative motion. From the human health perspective it is time we had national drinking water standards so that we know the quality of the water we consume is of the same quality, whether in Saint-Jean, Quebec, St. John's, Newfoundland, or Fort St. John, British Columbia.
A key word in the motion is the word immediately. Canadians demand action and leadership from the government. It is quicker for us to actually provide legislation for a poet laureate than to provide standards for drinking water. How fast does the health minister have to move to his satisfaction to address this very critical issue?