Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her question. One of the first things we must realize and what is important to accept in this dispute resolution process is that the process itself balances avoidance activities and dispute resolution activities.
I must tell members that when I first heard about this dispute resolution process I was surprised it had taken us so long to come to this point. I have practised law for many years. Having been a litigator and involved in litigation for many years it was not until the latter years of my practice that we developed an alternate dispute resolution system in Ontario. It took the burden off the courts and forced the parties to the table to negotiate. Before there could be litigation the parties had to sit down with the ADR, as it was called in Ontario, and go through the process.
We have forced parties to the table at a much earlier time instead of prolonging the litigation. That successful example has been implemented in the Sports Canada program and the different sporting associations where there were problems with athletes related to doping charges or allegations on whether they qualified at a certain time. This now must go to the dispute resolution system.
This is the way of the future. This is what brings parties to the table instead of litigating and throwing accusations back and forth and having wonderful shots in the papers attacking the federal government or the provinces saying there is no co-operation. We are forced to come to the table. This is a specialized system which, as the Minister of Health said today during question period, we are close to bringing forward. It is a great advancement that is long overdue.