Briefly, Madam Speaker, the member's question requires me to attempt to penetrate the mind of the Prime Minister. I do not intend to do that and I will not go into the reasons why.
I will simply say this. Those of us who were running as leaders of political parties in the last federal election were requested respectfully by the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador to put our comments in writing. I consulted very extensively with Jack Harris, the leader of the New Democratic Party in Newfoundland and Labrador, in developing my response, because he knows so well the needs of that province and he shares our values and our philosophy in how things should be approached. We put our answers in writing.
I cannot speak for the Prime Minister. He will have to speak for himself in the next election when it comes to the support of Newfoundland and Labrador.