Mr. Speaker, on June 20, 1976, a spectacular Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebration was held on Mount Royal. Gilles Vigneault sang for the first time a tune that epitomizes the sensitivity of the Quebec soul: "Gens du pays, c'est votre tour de vous laisser parler d'amour." In Quebec, this song has since become a central part of every public rally and political
demonstration. It talks about building a country, returning to our roots, and about the primacy of the notion of freedom.
It was in 1977 that Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day became Quebec's national holiday. How far we have come in 20 years. The people of Quebec have come of age and are preparing for their long-awaited country to become reality.
To all the men and women of Quebec, I wish a happy national holiday.