Mr. Speaker, yesterday, on the American television network CNN, French president Jacques Chirac reiterated his country's intention to recognize Quebec as a new state, if the Yes side wins next Monday's referendum.
This statement by the French president fully supports the comments he made on January 26, when he was a presidential candidate, namely that: "Should Quebecers decide to achieve sovereignty, France should certainly be among the first to tell Quebec that we are on its side".
There is no doubt that if Quebecers vote yes on October 30, the international community, headed by France, will take note and recognize Quebec. That recognition will take place as soon as the National Assembly proclaims Quebec's sovereignty, after formally proposing, in good faith, a new partnership to Canada.