Mr. Speaker, I have two comments for the hon. member opposite. First, I must point out that the purpose of the European Union is not to eliminate borders, but to preserve its member states' sovereignty while delegating, collectively and sovereignly, some of their powers to a common authority. In other words, the European Union is doing precisely what we intend to do in Canada. It is showing us the way.
My second comment concerns the best country in the world. I have had enough of hearing that Canada is the best country in the world. If Canada is so terrific, it is not because it is a federation. It is because Quebecers and Canadians are active, inventive and energetic people, but it really has nothing to do with being a federation, because many other federations exist where there is no prosperity, Russia, for example.
The system is not what makes us a good country, Canadians and Quebecers do. If the country was split in two, both halves would still have the same qualities, because, when you slice a cake, each slice is as good as the whole cake.