Everything changed. That was the end of parliamentary trust, the end of respect among individuals, the end of respect for the word given. The case of Quebec was settled the way things usually are, here in Ottawa. The deed was done during the night.
To better understand such an inappropriate—to use a parliamentary expression—process, let me quote an editorial published on Wednesday, November 22, 1972, in the daily Montréal Matin . The journalist was referring to the current Prime Minister, who was then the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
The interview was given to CTV, on November 19, 1972. A copy of the transcript was available. The journalist, Clément Brown, quoted the Prime Minister talking about the parc de la Mauricie. I would appreciate it if members opposite would listen. I would like all Quebecers to hear it, because it will be a sad reminder of who we are talking here. The editorial quoted the current Prime Minister as saying “I used that park to break the back of the Quebec government and, believe me, I am proud of that”.
These are the words of the then Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, now the Prime Minister and member for Shawinigan.