Mr. Speaker, I thought that what I was saying was very relevant to Bill S-9, since it addresses partnership with another country, the United States. I was therefore attempting to demonstrate that the proposals made concerning other bills before the House deal with exactly the same problem. There was a
problem between the United States and Canada. Tax collection was not harmonized, estate taxes were not harmonized.
A way has been found by two sovereign countries to discuss and to reach agreement on changing our laws in order to harmonize them and ensure that Bill C-9 benefits the citizens of both countries equally.
What I have attempted to demonstrate to this hon. house, with examples, is that this would be equally possible in other areas. I am well aware that my colleagues opposite do not like to hear anyone telling them that it is possible for the partnership to be a success. They cannot be hearing that word much these days. They only wish to hear it used in connection with other countries, but when Quebec becomes a country they will hear it more often. We think that at that point they will be prepared to come to the table.
At any rate, whether they like to hear us talk about it or not, this is a decision for Quebecers alone. And just as Quebecers, via their elected representatives here in the House today, agree to support Bill S-9, tomorrow morning Quebecers will also agree to support their representatives in the Quebec government and ask them to offer a partnership that is respectful of our neighbours in the rest of Canada, a partnership that will be advantageous to both parties, a partnership that will become the sole solution to our common problems.