Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services in regard to my Member's statement.
Mr. Speaker, the department has put out a request for proposals for the administration of the Metis Health Benefits Program. Mr. Speaker, his predecessor, Mrs. Groenewegen, clearly stated in a letter she wrote to the Metis local presidents that before any changes take place, consultation will take place with all Metis communities and Metis councils before any changes to the Metis Health Benefit Program are considered.
Yet, Mr. Speaker, right now there is a proposal out there. I believe it is still open for the next couple of weeks. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister, why is it that he has put out this call for proposals knowing that his predecessor has, through a letter to the Metis locals, said that consultation will take place before any changes happen? Why has that not happened?