Mr. Speaker, in my opinion, the position of the hon. member concerning section 44 of the Constitution is wrong. It is obvious that the operative words in this case are "principle of representation by population" and I do not need to quote the section again in this House; the words are quite clear. We can change certain things concerning representation in this House but not the principle of representation by population for the provinces. That can be changed only if census figures warrant it under the regulations if it is in section 51 of the Constitution.
I am a firm believer in the concept of the two founding races. I believe fully that the partnership that created our country and has caused it to prosper and develop is a fundamental part of our Constitution. I have absolutely no reluctance in recognizing that principle.
I do not share the hon. member's view that the only way to do it is to accord a guaranteed minimum number of seats to one of the provinces. I do not like the minimum guarantees that we have for seats in the House. There may be other ways to do it,
perhaps by a minimum number of seats in the Senate or by some other method.
I firmly believe that the House should be elected on the basis of representation by population. I have always been a believer in that principle. I stick by it.
There are conflicts of principles now and again in the way we do things. The hon. member for Kindersley-Lloydminster in his speech referred to the principle of representation by population. I am a firm believer in it and so is the hon. member in his heart of hearts. I know he does not like the minimums that are already there. I do not either. I would prefer to see those changed.
I recognize there are certain political realities in Canada by which we have to abide. I am not anxious to engage in changes to those realities without an overall view of how the Constitution could be changed in various ways.
The Charlottetown accord was an attempt to do that. The hon. member opposed it. I supported it with some reluctance. I did not like parts of it. However in it was the 25 per cent minimum. I supported Charlottetown. I am prepared to support Charlottetown again if I have to. I would prefer not to. I would prefer a better deal. I think we can get a better deal some day.
We are not into Constitution making now. Canadians are fed up with Constitution making. In my view we ought not to be engaging in it here in a roundabout way, as the hon. member suggests, and which I suggest is illegal.