Not at all, Mr. Bergeron. There are many visions or ideas about Canada. You just described two of them, but we could talk about dozens of others. I think it's important to reflect that.
Ever since the beginning of my public career, I have always talked about the importance of respecting human rights, Canadian pluralism and Quebec specificity. I've been on behalf of that for a long time. I did so during numerous constitutional debates, when I was a federal MP, when I was the premier of Ontario and when I engaged in discussions surrounding the Charlottetown Accord. Throughout my life, I've shown respect for Quebec's uniqueness and its distinct society. I'm a confirmed federalist, but for me, federalism does not mean a centralizing government. What it means is that the government respects differences in the country's and the provinces' areas of jurisdiction. That's the position I have always taken.
As for the tweets you mentioned, I was stating my personal opinion, as I do in all my tweets. I work closely with Canadian public service professionals who wear the hijab. And of course I treat their opinion as equal to mine, and I will continue to support their work. I will leave it to others to discuss Bill‑21, which is now before the courts in Quebec and Canada.
Frankly, I have always shown a great deal of respect for Quebec's opinions on diversity. For example, last week, Ms. Desbiens was part of our delegation attending the United Nations Water Conference. I am always respectful of people from Canada's Parliament who come to explain their opinions.
I am, of course, aware of the debate that followed my tweet, but I'm not going to pursue ir further. I had never intended to engage in it and I'm not about to do so today.