Steve Mahoney on An Act To Give Effect To The Requirement For Clarity As Set Out In The Opinion Of The Supreme Court Of Canada In The Quebec Secession Reference

In the House of Commons on February 10th, 2000. See this statement in context.

An Act To Give Effect To The Requirement For Clarity As Set Out In The Opinion Of The Supreme Court Of Canada In The Quebec Secession ReferenceGovernment Orders

February 10th, 2000 / 3:50 p.m.

Liberal

Steve Mahoney Liberal Mississauga West, ON

Mr. Speaker, maybe they could learn to count. They are worried about 50% plus one but they cannot even count how many members are in the House.

To get back to the point, I have developed some understanding. In fact one of the members of the Bloc who I met outside asked me if I was going to speak. When I said yes, he said to please stay calm. So I will because there are some things that must be said.

I hear Bloc members say in the House that it is undemocratic to require a clear question. My constituents do not understand that and ask what is wrong with that and why would they object to the question being clear? They say that 50% plus one should be the deciding factor. If in fact they believe that 50% plus one should be the deciding factor, why do we continue to debate another referendum?

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