Mr. Speaker, over the last week I have spoken to many constituents at town hall meetings. At those meetings the question of Quebec has been a hot topic.
My constituents are concerned about the government's lack of leadership on this critical issue. While the Leader of the Official Opposition jets around Europe promoting his vision of an independent Quebec, the people of Nanaimo-Cowichan grow weary of the separation debate. They also wonder why political leaders in France and Belgium are willing to comment on Canadian solidarity, yet not a word from our own Prime Minister.
The people of western Canada are not satisfied with status quo federalism and are demanding change. That demand is leading to new rumblings of discontent with traditional federalism in the west. This is the result of a disenchanted electorate from coast to coast.
If the Prime Minister wants to run this country with his head in the sand, he might want at least to peek out from time to time to make sure the ground around him is still solid.