Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question this afternoon is for the Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board and concerns the recent tentative collective agreement that was signed with the Union of Northern Workers. The deal calls for an increment of 3.8 percent in the first year and 2.5 percent in the second year, plus increments in various benefits, Mr. Speaker.

I am pleased that the talks had a positive outcome. I will look forward to a good, smooth ratification process. I hope that this is going to be the prelude of continuing improvement in the relationship that our government has with our workers.

I wanted to ask the Minister, how does our government now stand in relation to salary and benefit levels with our government and public sector workers in Canada? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.