Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time, we're not aware of what the base will be, but I think it's fair

that certainly I am concerned, as my honourable colleague, that there is a slow erosion of our current base. This question is an extremely important one as we move forward in trying to determine an appropriate process for two new formula agreements. It is the number one priority of myself and my colleagues on Cabinet, and I intend to meet with Mr. Martin, the Minister of Finance, I believe on the 1 4th or 1 5th of this month to try to get some assurances and to try to determine from what base we're going to negotiate two formulas. As you know, with all the debate that's going on and the cuts that we've had to make, any further erosion to the base will mean fewer services and, of course, fewer benefits to both our employees and to the people at large. Thank you.