Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud and happy today to draw attention to the fine victories achieved by Lucienne Robillard in Saint-Henri-Westmount and by Denis Paradis in the by-election in Brome-Missisquoi last night.
In addition to underscoring the hard work by the members of his team, Mr. Paradis' victory is a strong warning to separatist forces. It is also a good indicator of the mood of the people of Quebec in this period before the referendum, whatever one might say. Quebecers will not be fooled by separatist rhetoric. They are well aware of the issues in this debate. The many still unanswered questions about an independent Quebec in year one contributed as well to this victory by the Liberal Party.
This message the people of the ridings of Brome-Missisquoi and Saint-Henri-Westmount have given to the separatist forces should encourage the Quebec minister of finance to present his famous year one budget. Quebecers will then have an opportunity to see the hidden face of independence for the first time.
Mr. Speaker, the third period is well underway, and Canadians are in the lead.