Mr. Speaker, after 10 years of Conservative government, the Bloc Québécois did not even have official party status in the House of Commons. In Quebec, the Parti Québécois was in opposition. At that time, discussions about a referendum were not even happening, because the Conservative Party had managed to unite the country, as it always does. It had recognized the Quebec nation, restored to the provinces the powers that rightfully belonged to them, including the Quebec nation, and respected all Canadians. Young people also had the hope that they could buy a home, start a family and build a good life. In a climate of hope like that, the situation we face today did not exist.
Unfortunately, we are now faced with two referendum initiatives: one that is very real and another that is being threatened. Now more than ever, we need a prime minister who can unite Canadians from coast to coast to coast.