Mr. Speaker, I certainly would agree that provinces should also be involved in the consultation on the consideration of the national pharmacare plan. They are indeed stakeholders that should be considered as we move forward.
However, as I indicated, it is very difficult at this time because of the horrific deficit we have found ourselves in over the last two years as a result of the government's spending. While there is a will, there must always be a way. This way is absolutely being impeded by the difficult position we are being put in at present.
While I would agree that we all share the objective of universal pharmaceutical coverage in one capacity or another, when it comes to spending, I and the Conservative Party of Canada, my respectful colleagues, disagree on how this is to be achieved. However, I will agree with my colleague that we must include the provinces, as stakeholders, as part of the solution for drug coverage.