Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Leader of the Official Opposition displayed true political demagoguery in this House. The Bloc Quebecois leader clearly suggested that an independent Quebec might not fulfill its commitment to assume part of the national debt if the purported negotiations on an economic union are not to his liking.
That totally irresponsible statement made by the separatist leader can only generate more fear on financial markets, and it could have a devastating effect on the credit ratings and interest rates that we will be faced with, both in Quebec and in Canada. Are we to understand from the opposition leader's comments that an independent Quebec will not fulfill its financial commitments toward foreign countries and investors? Is that the foolish adventure that you are proposing to Quebecers, Mr. Bouchard?