May 12, 2004

Hon. Bill Blaikie (Elmwood-Transcona, NDP): Mr. Speaker, it is curious to see the official opposition concerned about high gas prices; this is the first time in 25 years. I remember a Tory government that fell because it jacked the price of gas up so high. My question for the Prime Minister--

Some hon. members: Oh, oh.

An hon. member: It would have been higher if it was up to you.

The Speaker: Order, please. The hon. member for Elmwood-Transcona has the floor.

Hon. Bill Blaikie: Mr. Speaker, I have a very simple question for the Prime Minister. The Conservatives have made their position on for profit delivery of health care very clear. They are for it. They are wrong, but at least they are honest. We have made our position clear. We are against it.

I want to ask the Prime Minister, does he think that for profit delivery of health care has a place in our system, yes or no?

Right Hon. Paul Martin (Prime Minister, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I have said in this House and I will repeat, the reason we want to have a meeting with the premiers this summer, the reason we want to essentially deal with the health care situation is so that more money will flow, that reform will take place, so that in fact the publicly funded, universally accessible health care system that was put in place by a Liberal government will continue and will strengthen.