Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take part in today's very important debate which, as you are aware, has grown out of the referendum debate we had not long ago. On October 30, Canada gained more than a mere referendum victory.
History will recall this referendum as one in which not only Quebecers but millions of Canadians renewed their allegiance to our country and proclaimed their pride at being Canadian. From sea to sea, millions of Canadians realized more clearly than ever before how important it was for them to live in this great country rich in resources and in potential.
People everywhere also became aware that the unity of our country is more important than many individual demands. People everywhere said that keeping this country together was a worthwhile undertaking, was worth a few concessions and compromises. The Prime Minister clearly understood what Canadians were feeling on the eve of the referendum. He saw our desire and our determination to continue to see this best of all countries progress even further. He also recognized the desire everywhere in the country for change, concrete and progressive change within Canada.
The Prime Minister kept his promise. Barely a month after his promise to Quebecers to recognize the distinct society, to give Quebec a veto and to decentralize powers, he has made good on that promise. Last Monday we passed the motion the Prime Minister had promised recognizing Quebec as a distinct society. Today, we are looking at Bill C-110 on the right to a veto.
A few days ago, my colleague, the Minister of Human Resources Development, proposed a new employment insurance plan which gives the provinces full jurisdiction over manpower training. This is a real and effective way to bring services and decision making closer to the people.
The Prime Minister's initiative for change is a high point in the recognition of Quebec's traditional claims.
These three elements-the distinct society, the veto and decentralization of powers-form the essence of what Quebec has wanted and has sought for 30 years.
We now know that there is no need to throw everything up in the air or to give up our country, our citizenship or our future for our identity to be recognized with dignity and our place to be confirmed with pride in Canada's confederation.
Obviously, I am under no illusions. The opposition parties do not recognize the immense value of the Prime Minister's proposals. For the members of the Reform Party, the whole thing goes way too far. To them, Quebec is not different, it is insufferable. It is not distinct, it is incomprehensible. It does not need a veto, but rather an ultimatum.
In fact, what the Reformers want is to separate Canada from Quebec and thus rend a most noble fabric that forms the heart of an independent, autonomous and unique Canada.
For the members of the Bloc Quebecois, opposite, the Prime Minister's initiative does not go far enough. They treat it with disdain and contempt. The leader and the members of the Bloc Quebecois should remember that, on October 30, a majority of Quebecers rejected their option of sovereignty. They said no to their plan to separate Quebec from Canada. They said no to the farfetched promises that were made. They said no to the enormous economic risk the Bloc Quebecois wanted them to take.
Our friends opposite should humbly recall that on October 30, Quebecers chose Canada. They chose to keep their Canadian citizenship. They chose to keep their Canadian passport, invaluable when you travel. They said they wanted to go on living in the best country in the world.
On October 30, Quebecers chose to go on living in the country that affords them the best guarantees for progress, success and prosperity. And on October 30, Quebecers chose to live in Canada.
Of course Quebecers and Canadians as well indicated they wanted change, but change within Canada. That is exactly what we are proposing. The Bloc Quebecois maintains that it is not enough, the Reform Party that it is too much. It should come as no surprise that our position differs totally from that of the opposition parties. The Bloc wants to isolate Quebec. We encourage Quebec to look outward. The Bloc rejects everything we have built in the past 127 years. We are using our experience to make social and economic gains. The Bloc wants to destroy our country. We are working to make it even more prosperous, fairer and equitable.
What we are proposing to Quebec today and what we have been discussing for the past few weeks is a new way of approaching constitutional amendments that might affect the powers, rights and privileges of the National Assembly and the Government of Quebec. In fact, what we are proposing to Quebecers is the assurance that we will never amend the Constitution without their consent. What we are proposing to Quebecers is an authentic partnership that respects the rights and responsibilities of each partner.
We often said during the referendum campaign that federalism is a flexible and dynamic formula. We said that we were open to change and that change is possible within Canadian federalism.
The Prime Minister is a man of his word who leads a government that keeps its promises. We had further proof of that today. Thanks to the Prime Minister's initiatives for change, Canada and Quebec are turning a new page in our history. This page and the pages that follow will be imbued with the openness, respect and pride shown by so many Quebecers and Canadians during the referendum campaign.
In keeping with the will expressed by a majority of Quebecers on October 30, we are now full partners. Thanks to this modern and strong partnership, we will enter the next century still at the head of the line and we will stay there.