Thank you, Chair.
Thank you to both of you for your testimony this afternoon. It's very much appreciated. You've been very specific in your answers, and I appreciate that. It's extremely important. It shows clearly that Nova Scotia and Newfoundland are strongly behind this bill, are supporting the bill, are part of the process and have played a role in this bill being what it is today. I thank you for that.
You know, the Atlantic Accord is supposed to be a nice story. It's supposed to be about the federal and provincial governments working together to help create more jobs, improve the economy and improve the lives of Atlantic Canadians, yet there's a sour taste in my mouth. I remember when the Conservative government—the Harper government—pretty well ripped up the Atlantic Accord. My colleague, Bill Casey, who was sitting on the benches with the Conservatives, was told he wouldn't be thrown out of caucus, but he was thrown out of caucus after voting against the budget to protect Atlantic Canadians.
Do you remember when that happened? I guess my first question is if you remember that.
Number two, why do you think the Conservatives don't want to support Atlantic Canadians? We're part of Canada, and we're a very important part of Canada.