Mr. Speaker, it seems rather a contradiction that the Speech from the Throne would put such an emphasis on science, yet here in the House the role of the science, research and development minister has been withdrawn. That minister no longer reports to Parliament, and a science advisor who reports to the Prime Minister just is not acceptable. We need to have a science advisor who reports to all of Parliament. Taxpayers' dollars are being spent on this research. That research and what is coming out of it should be available to the public.
A problem that still has yet to be resolved is how, for example, a project like the Canadian neutron facility is still shuffled from one ministry to the next. A presentation is made to the industry committee. The minister decides as to whether or not it is worth funding. Then it is shuffled over to the ministry of natural resources. Then it goes to cabinet, and there is a shuffle and it has to go through all the ministries again. After seven years the project is still no further ahead and the cost continues to mount for this proposed project because of the indecision of government.
There was also mention of an academy of excellence. The concern that we have with these academies and foundations is that of transparency.
How will the member assure us that when money is allocated to these scientific projects, to the foundations, to the councils, to the academies of excellence, that they will report to us? Can he assure us that we will see exactly where the money is going and how it is being spent?