Mr. Speaker, I object to the remarks made by Bloc Quebecois members to the effect that for francophones outside Quebec to oppose Quebec's separation constitutes interference. Such remarks clearly show the Bloc's policy of discouraging debate and silencing any opposition to separation. But the Bloc is ignoring an inescapable fact: you cannot silence a majority.
Francophones from across Canada-Quebecers, Acadians, Franco-Saskatchewanians and Franco-Ontarians-have always actively promoted and preserved their language and culture on this continent where we form a very small minority.
Our efforts have paid off and will continue to pay off because federalism and our political system are responsive and encourage the development of francophone communities. A majority of French Canadians recognize the Canadian federal system as a flexible system that promotes our development.
At the opening of this Parliament, the Bloc Quebecois said it was going to-