Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments and the contribution of the hon. member to the current debate.
The member raised reasonable questions about what our inflation rate should be. There has been debate in this country and elsewhere, in fact perhaps right around the world about what is the proper level of inflation. He says that the Bank of Canada aims at an inflation rate of somewhere between 1 per cent and 3 per cent. He thinks, and I suppose he is speaking for his party, that the target for the inflation rate should be somewhere between 2 per cent and 4 per cent. I accept that as a strong and legitimate point of view because there is a legitimate debate going on among economists as to what the inflation rate should be.
The main reason I wanted to take to my feet is I cannot overlook the fact that the hon. member represents a separatist party, the Bloc from Quebec. When he talks about low interest rates producing jobs in Canada, I wonder what the inflation rate or interest rates would be in an independent Quebec. Chances are that if Quebec were to declare its sovereignty or its independence, interest rates would go through the roof.
I also noticed in his speech the absence of any comment on the provincial economy. We know that the unemployment rate in the province of Quebec is very high, far above the national rate. The hon. member might want to reflect on that fact.
I think it is a given among economists and all observers that the Quebec economy is in such bad shape because of the separatist government in Quebec City. When there is a separatist government in Quebec City it shakes the confidence of business people. The hon. member and his party should reflect upon these facts and perhaps give serious consideration to a big change in their policies.