Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs said that any unilateral declaration of sovereignty by Quebec would be contrary to Canadian constitutional law and to international law.
Is the minister telling us right away that the federal government will refuse to negotiate partnership calmly and serenely, thumbing its nose at the interests of Canadians and Quebeckers alike?
The wish of the sovereignist movement is clear: to obtain a yes for the sovereignty of Quebec in a democratic manner, along with the mandate to negotiate a partnership with the rest of Canada.
Is the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs aware that, in his attempt to put fear into Quebeckers, he is at the same time making clear his disdain for the economic and political interests of Canadians and Quebeckers? He would do well to read the statement by the previous Minister of Justice, who called for recognition of the referendum vote and negotiation with a sovereign Quebec.