Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to listen to the hon. member's fine words.
I am pleased to hear such genuine good wishes for the for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador for the future of those. Rather than building fences and walls around Alberta, it is better for us to talk about Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador being able to reach their economic potential. I am pleased to hear that. I would encourage him to look over the fence a bit more because he would see that there is still a vibrant fishery in Atlantic Canada, and we are proud of it. We have had some hits, but we are very proud of the fishery that employs many people and is part of our culture and heritage.
We see some changes on that side. In the few years that I have been here I have noticed that a lot of people are using my first language, French. I suppose if I stay here long enough, some of the members will start using the metric system, but that will take some time.
The member will surely recognize that maybe the proposed deal is not perfect. That is why we encourage the premier to continue negotiations to ensure he will get the best deal he can for Atlantic Canada, for Canada and for Nova Scotia. I my case, I am interested in Nova Scotia. Other members will speak for Newfoundland and Labrador.
When we look at the total that has been negotiated, when we look at the health accord, when we look at the equalization improvements and when we look at the offer of over $300 million a year for Nova Scotia, there is no doubt that the premier is tempted to take it. However, he wonders what will happen eight years down the road, so he and Minister Clarke continue to negotiate, and I support him in that. Members must recognize that the Prime Minister has to speak for all of Canada. This is a good deal for Nova Scotia.