Mr. Speaker, this idea was wrong in the Meech Lake accord, it was wrong in the Charlottetown accord, it was wrong when the Prime Minister promised it last year, it was wrong when the government pushed it through the House of Commons, it was wrong when it was adopted as policy at the Liberal convention. The Tories of course followed suit but they just do not get it.
Canadians say realign the powers of the federation if need be, put other proposals that affect all the provinces on the table if need be; it is a good idea, but this distinct society idea is dead. It will not sell.
Will the minister put proposals on the table that treat all provinces and Canadians equally and that bring us together as a
country rather than pushing the distinct society clause which, I am warning him, is driving people apart?