moved for leave to introduce Bill C-350, an act to provide for a national referendum to authorize the government to negotiate terms of separation with a province that has voted for separation from Canada.
Mr. Speaker, polls of the participants in the Quebec referendum showed that many were unsure what a yes vote meant. This government's sole response has been to ask the supreme court to rule on a unilateral declaration of independence.
I therefore want to table my private member's bill aimed at reducing the uncertainties surrounding Quebec's separation by spelling out the consequences of a yes vote, including becoming a foreign country with resulting loss of rights to travel and work freely in Canada and to elect representatives to Parliament.
My bill also protects the rights of areas where the majority of people vote to remain Canadian. This bill challenges separatists to agree on basic rules before any future vote.
In the terrible event that 50 per cent plus 1 of Quebecers say they want to become a foreign country, my bill requires Parliament to authorize a binding national referendum within a year on negotiating terms of separation. My bill would ensure this issue is decided by the will of the people and not the decision of the courts.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)