Madam Speaker, if there is one constant for the NDP concerning the motion before the House today, it is our steadfast support, since our founding in 1961, for cooperative federalism, which reflects the duality of Canada and the distinct place of Quebec within the federation.
As Tommy Douglas said in 1967 with respect to the first report of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism:
The Canadian Constitution must create equality between Canada's English and French speaking communities, as well as the conditions necessary for both these communities to have equality of opportunity. In order for there to be such equality, special arrangements must be concluded with the Government of Quebec in order to negotiate a new division of responsibilities between the federal and provincial governments.
Since our founding convention in 1961 the NDP has been very clear in its support of the notion of Canada as two founding peoples.