Mr. Speaker, this statement was quite interesting.
First of all, I would remind the hon. member that this is simply an administrative bill. I talked about the mandate. However, the bill itself does not change a thing in the mandate. Therefore, I suggest that he read the bill before asking questions.
Second, he talked about jurisdictions. I will remind him that section 36.1 of the Constitution is extremely clear about the role of the federal government:
(a) promoting equal opportunities for the well-being of Canadians;
(b) furthering economic development to reduce disparity in opportunities.
There is absolutely no mention of “regional development” in the Constitution. What gives them the right to usurp power that simply does not exist under the Canadian Constitution?
Third, the member deplores the fact that the word “Québec” occurs only once. I remind him that the agency's name is Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. If that is not enough, there must be some comprehension problem.
In conclusion, if I may, he referred to textiles, among other things. He said it involves an international responsibility and, therefore, it has to be addressed. I remind him that Economic Development Canada is managing softwood lumber support programs. The member contradicts himself for reasons that have nothing to do with the substance but a lot to do with a regrettable political bias.