Well, Tony and I were discussing whether to have the question restated. It has been a few minutes since we heard it. As we understand it correctly, or, at least, I understand it, your question related more to the north moving towards provincehood, and how your representation in the institutions of government would be affected, whether you would remain the same or increase.
I think I agree with your question, or the statement that you were making earlier that if the north, and whatever parts that may be, choose to move towards provincehood, I do not think that it should have any more restrictions, or any less restrictions placed on it than those of other provinces that have come into Confederation. The people of the north will make that decision when they think the time is right, and as that transpires, I think the federal government should move very quickly, and allow for speedy resolution.
I certainly think that if what we have is the so-called Triple E Senate and, as new provinces are created, I think the representation must be equal to what supported the other provinces. I do not think that can be any less accepted anywhere else. If Prince Edward Island has six, or any other province, then certainly the north, or the new provinces should be afforded the same equal status with respect to that.
Where I believe you are at now is another step along the way towards provincehood. I think it is just another stepping stone, where we are at, at this point in time. As you move towards provincehood, we will see different things evolving over time, and I think it will be up to the people of the north how they decide in that progression.
I think that it is vitally important, with respect to your development, that the people are made aware of where they are heading, and have a clear vision of where they want to head. Some of the comments earlier that were expressed about informing people, I have to agree. I think Mr. Nerysoo raised the issue of tactics, in trying to explain one's position.
I do not think one necessarily has to use some of the doom and gloom that has been talked about, but I think there are some real dangers if we do not go into this with our eyes completely open. I think there are some real dangers for this country that affects not only Quebec, and the aboriginal people, but I think it affects every part of this country.
I think Ron George best said some months ago, we have a really easy job, all we have to do is tell the truth, and the issue of the legal text being put before the people, so that they can make up their minds. I am a firm believer that has to be there. People cannot vote on a half package, if they do not see all of the legal wording that is there.
I also understand the difficulties when you have upwards of thirty, forty, fifty lawyers in a room trying to agree on any one thing, and that is a difficult task at best, even when you have two sitting in a room. I think many of the concerns expressed earlier are real. We have to go out and not only promote the package, but have to explain it to our people so that they have clear understanding. We have to explain it to all Canadians, because let us realize that we are not the only ones in this process.
We agreed to come into this process as full partners, and I think that we have agreed that we will either walk together, or we are going to fall together. Thank you.