Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance is feeding the uncertainty on financial markets by claiming that sovereignists do not want a sovereign Quebec to continue using the Canadian dollar. However, there is absolutely no doubt that a sovereign Quebec will continue to use the Canadian dollar and that it is in the interests of both Canada and Quebec to maintain a currency union.
A sovereign Quebec will continue to use the Canadian dollar and, as the Minister of Finance himself pointed out, it cannot be prevented from doing so. A sovereign Quebec will also assume its fair share of the federal debt. If the Yes side wins, Quebec and Canada will be well-advised to start negotiations immediately on the sharing of the debt and federal assets.
The finance minister of Canada has a responsibility to contribute to the stability of the markets and to refrain from spreading doubt and uncertainty the way he is doing now.