Mr. Speaker, the government has little respect for the people of Nova Scotia or their elected representatives.
For well over a month, the opposition has been waiting for a briefing on the proposed changes to the Atlantic accord. On four occasions the Conservatives cancelled that briefing. Just yesterday a meeting scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. was abruptly cancelled again by the minister, even though his own officials along with the entire Nova Scotia Liberal caucus and the member for Cumberland—Colchester—Musquodoboit Valley were present.
Yesterday during question period the finance minister said he cancelled it because, “It is, as I say, complex and still being drafted”. Less than 15 minutes later, the government House leader got up and contradicted the minister and said they were prepared to table the legislation.
It is little wonder Canadians do not trust those people. They cannot keep a commitment. They cannot even coordinate their excuses. There are words and lots of confusion being thrown at Nova Scotians to try to convince them they are getting a good deal. The explanations are complicated and unclear.
The people of Nova Scotia have a simple, clear, four word message to the Conservatives: Honour the Atlantic accord.