Mr. Speaker, Bill C-20 limits the democratic rights of the Quebec people. The position of the hon. member for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik is clear: he is opposed but will vote in favour. A local newspaper quotes him as follows:
I am not in agreement with our government's passing a bill on the question. I do not believe it is up to Ottawa to dictate to Quebec the procedure it must follow.
He even indicates that he is not the only one in his party to disagree. Having revealed his thoughts, however, and led people to believe he was opposed, the member for Abitibi—Baie James—Nunavik hastens to add that he will be voting with his government. This is a clear illustration of how brave the Quebec Liberal MPs are.
In this debate, the masks are off. The choice between their personal future in politics and the interests of their constituents is clear: a good little Liberal looks after his interests, his political future, first. For the ministers, that means the reward of a limousine. For the backbenchers, it means continuing to be yes-men.