Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite the Government of Quebec and the sovereignists to give careful thought to the advantages of the recent framework agreement on social union.
The sovereignists have decided to turn it into an issue, but they must not forget that the people did not give them a mandate to prepare Quebec's independence.
The people of Quebec want their government to look after their interests, without the usual excessive partisanship that is the annoying trademark of the sovereignists.
The social union is nothing less than a new approach to Canadian federalism reflecting change in our social policy and the needs of Canadians.
I invite the Government of Quebec to sign this agreement as soon as possible.