Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Quebeckers renewed their trust in the Parti Quebecois government and in their premier, Lucien Bouchard.
The people of Quebec gave the Quebec government a mandate to continue its determined efforts to defend their interests and to help them achieve their destiny. Through this democratic decision, Quebec is keeping all its future options open. It is still free to make its own choices.
For now, the Government of Quebec has been given a mandate to continue what it has begun: sound and responsible management of public finances, conclusion of a social union agreement based on the Saskatoon consensus, and an ongoing battle against all the federal government's interference in Quebec's areas of jurisdiction as set out in the Constitution.
Bravo to the Parti Quebecois for this second victory. Yesterday's verdict shows clearly that the tough measures of the last four years fell squarely in line with what our fellow citizens wanted.
Congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Bouchard on another term in office—