Mr. Speaker, Robert Young, a respected political scientist from the University of Western Ontario, has stated that Canada would engage in negotiations with Quebec soon after a "yes" in the referendum.
Contrary to some recent studies which predict chaos and certain doom after a victory for the "yes" side in the referendum, the scenario described in Mr. Young's book is based to a greater extent on a deep respect for the most rudimentary principles of democracy. The political scientist does not hesitate in the least in stating that Canada would accept the decision of Quebecers and swiftly recognize the new country.
In spite of the federalist strategy intended to strike fear into the hearts of Quebecers, experts on Canadian politics are for their part now making their views known: Canada would in its own interest respect the choice made by Quebecers.