Mr. Speaker, Atlantic Canadians are wondering why the Liberals are going down the same old path with talk of giving Quebec distinct society status.
All Canadians recognize Quebec's cultural, social and historic distinctiveness but they do not want one province given special powers and status in the federation.
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island are equally proud of their social, historical and cultural distinctiveness. In fact, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick were two of the four original founders of our country, along with Ontario and Quebec.
Every single province in Canada should be an equal partner in this federation. Every single province in Canada is proud of its unique history and distinctiveness. Every single province should participate in our country on an equal footing.
Reform will vigorously defend the right of the Atlantic provinces to be given the same powers and entitlements as every other province. Our Constitution should never be changed to rob them of equal status.