Madam Speaker, the truth hurts, as evidenced by the reaction of the member for Beauce. It may not always be a good thing to tell the truth, but it is more often hard to hear it. This is why the member is getting all worked up. Every now and then, he demonstrates to us that the truth is not always easy to hear, and that it would be much easier, out of extreme courtesy and abnegation, not to say anything. Perhaps the members of the Liberal Party would be less frustrated, but that is the way things are.
History keeps repeating itself. In 1867, Quebecers were fooled into joining a federation and have never been able to get out of it. This is the impression we have. Why? Because of things like this.
At one time, the Liberals held 74 of the 75 seats in Quebec. This is when they decided to unilaterally patriate the Constitution, without the agreement of Quebecers. Incidentally, the Constitution has yet to be signed by Quebec. If they are waiting for Quebec's signature to share the equalization system, it will never happen.