Mr. Speaker, I spent the last five days in the Quebec provincial riding of Labelle. I spoke to many Quebecers about their concerns and frustrations.
The day before yesterday, it was obvious that a majority of Quebecers do not want Quebec to separate from Canada but they do want changes. They have this profound desire to have their language and culture recognized and respected. They want renewed federalism. They want to live in an open and tolerant country.
We in the other provinces must live up to the promise of the past week. We have had on both sides a frightening failure to understand each other and a failure to understand the consequences of a yes vote.
Never again must Canada be allowed to come so close to the brink of destruction.
We must talk and take action.