Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the great democratic tradition that prevails in Canada and in Quebec allowed for a referendum to be held on Quebec's constitutional future.
Ninety-four per cent of Quebecers voted. That, in itself, is an unprecedented democratic success, given the importance of the issue.
The very civilized campaign and consultation process show unequivocally that the principles of tolerance and freedom are valued by everyone in this country.
I want to congratulate all those who participated in the campaign. The responsible attitude and the respect displayed by both sides during that campaign reflect favourably on Canada and Quebec.
It is always reassuring to see that, in spite of the diverging views held on a given issue, the principles of democracy are shared by everyone in our country.