Mr. Speaker, my speech really related directly to the intergovernmental perspective. I raised the issue of Quebec and Manitoba in relation to renewable resources within the equalization formula and in conjunction with the issue of non-renewable resources.
As the hon. member knows, the Conservative Party's position on this issue is that non-renewable resources should be removed from the equalization formula. We have talked about this for several years, as have many if not all of the provinces.
I raised this issue because my largest concern is that the deal since October has resulted in provinces being pitted against provinces, as we see right here in the House today. We have a discussion comparing the fiscal capacity of Manitoba to Saskatchewan within the equalization formula. We have Ontario saying that it wants the same deal that Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia received under the Atlantic accord.
My largest concern is that the Prime Minister has not shown enough leadership by sitting down with the provinces and actually discussing these issues in October. Now we are left with a situation in which we have infighting amongst premiers and provinces being pitted against provinces. I would say to the member that I would have liked to have seen the Prime Minister deal with this issue upfront and if not then, then shortly sometime in the near future.