Mr. Speaker, I listened to my colleague's speech with interest. I would like her to expand a little on the reasons why we are talking about equalization payments today when discussions are still ongoing between the federal government and the provinces as to the best way to approach this legislation.
The House is supposed to sit until Christmas and when Parliament resumes in the new year. How is it then that it has suddenly become very important for the government to introduce legislation that is, in fact, somewhat insulting to the provinces? It is like saying they are going to sign the collective agreement before agreeing on the basic terms.
Why is the federal government pushing this bill, which we hope will be amended? A lot of people are not pleased with it, including the Quebec Minister of Finance—as the member was saying in her speech—who is still seeking major improvements to the equalization system.