Mr. Speaker, I will split my time with one of my colleagues.
I am pleased to participate in this debate on the motion which I will read for the benefit of those who have just tuned in:
That, in the opinion of this House, a Special Committee of the House of Commons should be struck in order to consider the possibility of Canada's participation in the creation of a pan-American monetary union.
Why are members of the Bloc Quebecois calling for the creation of such a committee and why are we holding this debate today? Because in this rapidly changing world, because of globalization—as members opposite keep telling us—members of Parliament must be able to see further down the way.
Yet, the attitude of the members opposite concerns me; it reminds me of the attitude that prevailed during the debate on free trade. The Liberals started by shouting their indignation. We all remember what they said, that free trade would be the mother of all evils and that if they were elected, they would never sign the agreement. Once elected, the new Prime Minister, Mr. Jean Chrétien, finally signed the agreement.
I would say finally with pleasure—