Mr. Chair, it is not a question of negotiation. It is a question of the federal government making it clear that it would be willing to put more money on the table if that is what it takes to solve the problem and meet all the needs that are identified. The minister said this is a question that can be answered, but then he went on not to answer it. If it can be answered, perhaps he could give it another try.
I want to ask the minister a second question. Of course he can respond to my commentary on his first answer and I realize that. It has to do with something that the member for Hochelaga also brought up and it has to do with the national strategy against diabetes.
The Canadian Diabetes Association was on the Hill today meeting with members of Parliament. The NDP caucus had a meeting with its representatives. I am sure they met with other members. They are concerned that the funding for the national diabetes strategy as it is now constituted will run out on March 31, 2005.
The minister said he hopes to maybe integrate a national diabetes strategy into the 10 year health accord, but if that did not happen, he would be concerned that the money not run out. I am wondering why he does not just get up and say that if it does not get integrated into the 10 year health accord, there will be $50 million which the Canadian Diabetes Association is looking for, not for itself but for Health Canada. The association is not asking that the $50 million be given to it. It is saying to give Health Canada $50 million to implement this particular strategy.
Can the minister make that commitment this evening?