It is because I respect it and because I am told I sing off key, but I simply will not do it, because I have no feeling for it. I feel no call when it is sung. I am not drawn by deeper roots; it is Quebec that calls me. However, I do not come because I have no respect for the national anthem. I do not come because it is not what I am looking for.
However, I have great respect for the Canadian flag. No member of the Bloc Quebecois has behaved disrespectfully toward Canada's flag. We have never shown disrespect nor said anything against the national anthem. On the contrary, we hold it in respect, and it is not the focus of today's debate.
I will close on this. I would add that the national anthem was written by a Quebecker.