Mr. Speaker, I was surprised by some aspects of the hon. member's speech. For instance, he used the word separatist instead of using the term sovereigntist. I suppose he is unaware of the fact that in international law and political science, the term sovereigntist should be used. There is no such thing as a separatist doctrine in international law, but that is not my main objection, and I imagine he can always read up on the subject.
What surprised me most was that he challenged the Bloc's eligibility for funding on the same basis as other political parties.
The hon. member should realize that Quebecers pay taxes like anyone else. This is what more experienced colleagues in the hon. member's own party realized when they decided the Bloc was entitled to have Parliament pay their legal fees in the lawsuit brought against them by a Mr. Aaron. The hon. member's colleagues are apparently more democratic in outlook than he seems to be.
Finally, the hon. member may or may not know that the Quebec Elections Act says that only individuals may finance political parties. Now that is democratic legislation and it is a legacy of a sovereigntist party in Quebec. And I would ask the hon. member whether, for the sake of the image of politicians and so people will realize that integrity does exist in politics, it would not be better for Parliament to pass legislation providing for grassroots financing of political parties instead of fund-raising dinners at $1,000 a plate at the Laurier Club, a Liberal club,
or taking donations from the wealthy who often have access to family trusts which his government is reluctant to tax. I would appreciate the hon. member's thoughts on the matter.