Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is yes, I have been to Newfoundland on many occasions. Yes, I have talked to people from Newfoundland on this matter.
However, the fundamental issue that my friend across the way is ignoring is the conduct of the referendum itself. The fact that the turnout was 53%, more than half the population, in a sense is appalling because it is not a huge turnout. Why that is I do not know. What I do know is that the referendum was not fair.
By the way, the first referendum was most appalling. In fact, the government gave out information, made commitments in the brochures and whatnot that it sent out in support of its position which were clearly untrue. That again is appalling. It is appalling behaviour on behalf of the government and it gets to the fundamental issue here. It we are going to use referendums we had better make darn sure that we conduct those referendums properly and that we ask clear questions.
We in this House cannot criticize referendums which take place in Quebec if fuzzy questions are asked. We have had the experience in Newfoundland and supported it unfortunately.
When we talk about conducting referendums, the issue goes far beyond this one matter here. It goes to the bigger issue of another referendum in Quebec.