Mr. Speaker, democracy spoke yesterday in Quebec and, as great democrats, Quebecers intend to respect the verdict. Although today, half the population of Quebec is saddened by the results, our first duty is to accept these results with calm and dignity, although the majority of the No side is minimal.
For democracy is the very foundation of the sovereignist movement, and we have every reason to be proud of the democratic exercise that ended yesterday, because it reflects, more than ever before, the discipline and political maturity of Quebecers and their profound attachment to democratic values.
The sovereignist movement will gain in stature after last night. The roots of hope are firmly imbedded for the future, for the near future.