Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his comments on the motion that was introduced on November 12 by the member for Trois-Rivières. She is well aware of the problems in her own riding, in mine and in many others. Her motion made the House of Commons aware of the need for this debate.
Last fall, we were preparing for the budget that would follow. We expected all the parties in this House to urge the government to take this sort of action. Certainly, the Liberals' wishy-washy position, which is enabling this government to continue to survive, is not in the general interest of Quebeckers and Canadians. This issue remains on the table, and choices will have to be made. In the long term, it is dangerous not only for the economy of Quebec and Ontario, but even for the economy of the west.
We saw this recently, when the Americans passed an energy law that will make the production of oil from oil sands unacceptable in the United States, because of the inaction of the Conservative government, which did not make sure these oil sands could be managed and used under acceptable environmental conditions. This is one more thing that was not considered.
We need to go back to having confidence in people, say that we are capable of putting in place a sustainable development policy, go ahead with ways of promoting new products that meet environmental standards, have a carbon exchange, believe in the abilities of our people and our businesses and, most importantly, change the attitude of this government or, if it does not want to change its attitude, change the government.