The reality, Mr. Speaker, is that I did speak to Mr. Martin in January about this whole issue. At that time, I did not get clarity as to what his political position would be in relationship to ours, and that it is the negotiation of two new formulas. I believe we have a common bond and understanding by all northern representatives. I think it would be fair to say that, without contradiction, the Western Coalition, NTI and the interim Commissioner have agreed that this is a logical approach to seeking the kinds of dollars required for the two new governments. I think it will become clearer after the officials meeting that it is going to be undertaken this Friday, I believe, as to whether the federal government is going to be receptive to that position.
I personally, as the Finance Minister, cannot see doing it any other way. If we do it any other way, we are going to get into convoluted political arguing about taking from Peter to give to Paul and from Paul to give to Peter. It does not make any sense to me to take that approach. We must cost the funding required for two new governments. We have got to have a strong, credible argument as to why there is a requirement for it. We have to recognize, not just in this Legislature, but out there, that we are extremely vulnerable in our ability to generate revenues. There is no point in hiding that. Our capacity to do that is very limited. Therefore, we require a sympathetic federal government. That is what I believe we have. I believe that a constructive, well laid out argument will hopefully be able to get the levels of funding necessary, so that as Mr. Morin has said frequently April 1, 1999 can be a reason to celebrate. Thank you.