Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the Report of the Special Joint Committee to amend Section 93 of the Constitution Act, 1867, concerning the Quebec School System.
As the member for Brome—Missisquoi, I simply want to say that the linguistic school boards Quebec is seeking to establish are similar to what we have had for about 15 years in my riding of Brome-Missisquoi, and I must say that the two linguistic communities in my riding live in perfect harmony.
We heard many stakeholders, and our joint committee conducted a high level debate. As a Quebecker, I am proud to note that the Quebec government just took an important step by requesting this amendment in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution Act, 1982.
I would like to thank the co-chair of the committee, Senator Lucie Pépin, as well as all the hon. members and senators who sat on the joint committee and the staff that worked hard to prepare this report.
In conclusion, I would like to read the conclusion of the joint committee's report:
We recommend that the two houses of Parliament adopt the resolution to amend section 93 of the Constitution Act, 1867, as tabled in the House of Commons on October 1, 1997, and in the Senate on October 9, 1997.