Mr. Speaker, the NDP's Sherbrooke declaration is in direct conflict with the Clarity Act and a Supreme Court ruling on separation. Roy Romanow said over the weekend that a vote of 50% plus one is not acceptable to break up Canada. He is not the only senior NDP to speak with clarity.
Former NDP leader Ed Broadbent stated:
I believe a majority of 50% plus one, even if clear, is morally insufficient in deciding to break up any established democracy, including Canada.
The NDP member for Winnipeg Centre said this about the Clarity Act:
...let sleeping dogs lie. I voted in favour of it, and I still feel strongly that it was the right thing to do.
The NDP member for Toronto—Danforth has introduced a bill to repeal the Clarity Act. Why will he not put his bill before the House for a full debate and vote? Is it because he and his leader know that their position is opposed by senior members of their own caucus and party?
Canadians deserve better. The NDP leader should listen to Mr. Broadbent, Mr. Romanow, and others and reject the 50% plus one position and put unity first.