Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister warns that this nation will fall apart if the federal government devolves some of its responsibilities. His favourite example is health care. If the health care system changes, he
declares, Canada will cease to exist, as if Canada is nothing more than a collection of social programs. To Liberals, government spending is the glue that holds the country together.
The bonds of unity are stronger than any government program. We emerged united from two world wars, a conscription crisis and a decade long depression not by our programs but by our strength of character and the firmness of our resolve.
Canadian unity rests largely on shared values like justice, freedom, equality and the opportunity and challenge afforded by our great land. If we neglect these things, we will indeed lose our country.
The Liberals should listen up. Changes to bring about a smaller, less intrusive federal government are essential if we are to preserve the unity of the federation.