Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine for his question. I think he just demonstrated the aberration of the decision made by RCMP authorities.
Anyone who looks at a geographical map realizes that an RCMP detachment is necessary in the Magdalen Islands. Indeed, we are several hours away from the continent by ferry and access by air is not easy either.
It is really a bureaucratic decision that was made, without any consultations whatsoever. That decision was made unbeknownst to Parliament and in a cavalier fashion. I can relate my own personal experience. I had phoned Mr. Bourduas to make an appointment with him. The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness had told me that no decision would be made. I was supposed to meet him on the Friday, but the closure of the nine RCMP detachments was announced on the Wednesday.
There were no consultations and the decision was made without a real knowledge of the situation. This is an arrogant and truly bureaucratic decision.