Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the people of Quebec for the patriotic and historic decision they took last week by opting to remain in Canada. Fellow Canadians living outside Quebec are grateful for this expression of confidence.
At this time I also express my personal gratitude to the constituents of my riding who travelled with me by bus to Montreal on Friday the week before, and to the more than 50,000 South Asians living in Montreal and elsewhere in Quebec who worked with me over the past two months on the Canadian unity campaign. To all of you I say your efforts are deeply appreciated by all Canadians. The dedication and tireless efforts to serve your host country will long be remembered.
Finally, it was a pleasure to work with the various South Asian community leaders in Quebec during the referendum campaign. In a true sense you have made Canada strong and free.