Mr. Speaker, first of all, I am not so sure the question as such has a direct connection with the budget. However, I will respond to the issue raised by the hon. member for Sherbrooke and tell him that, for the time being, everything is on the table.
If the hon. member for Sherbrooke had any suggestions for the Government of Quebec as to the form and substance of the question to be asked in the referendum, he could have participated in a democratic exercise in which the National Assembly of Quebec gave all residents a chance to be heard. He failed to participate in this exercise which would have given him a chance to explain his position before the public.
I could also mention the outcome of the election in Brome-Missisquoi. I think voters made it quite clear to the hon. member for Sherbrooke that what he represented was not what they wanted. His party came in fourth or fifth.
My position is that, with our natural resources, with our culture and with everything we have developed in Quebec in recent years, the people are ready for this question, and they are ready to say yes.